Steep Turns

Chapter 15.2

Objectives

To know the difference between a sustainable turn and an unsustainable turn.

To know how to enter, stabilize and exit a steep turn.

Sustainable / Unsustainable Turns

Sustainable turns are those for which the available engine power is sufficient to maintain a certain acceleration and a certain airspeed while remaining at a constant altitude.

For unsustainable turns, even maximum power is not sufficient to maintain a constant airspeed while remaining at the same altitude.

In an unsustainable turn, we must accept a decrease in airspeed or begin a descent.

With light aircraft, turns of more than 45° bank are usually unsustainable turns.

Performing Steep Turns

During basic training, steep turns in level flight and descent are performed as precision exercises with the following characteristics:

  • constant bank/ 45° or 60° bank
  • CLEAN CONFIGURATION

To determine the BANK, the graduated scale of the BANK indicator on the ATTITUDE INDICATOR is integrated into SCANNING.

Prepare, Start, Stabilize and Exit a Steep Turn

Prepare:

  • Before starting the turn, execute the HASELL procedure.
  • To orientate yourself, take a geographical reference point or define an initial heading.
  • The engine power is increased to a reference value, for the training airplane, generally climb power.

Prepare, Start, Stabilize and Exit a Steep Turn

Start:

  • The aircraft is first banked with the aileron control.
  • At the same time the adverse yaw moment is corrected with the rudder (center the ball!)
  • By appropriate backpressure on the elevator control, maintain the starting altitude with the least possible deviation.

Prepare, Start, Stabilize and Exit a Steep Turn

Stabilize:

  • When reaching the desired bank, the control of the ailerons is neutralized. Then make measured corrections.
  • To check the bank, integrate the BANK indicator on the ATTITUDE INDICATOR into your SCANNING.

Prepare, Start, Stabilize and Exit a Steep Turn

Exit:

  • The exit is started before reaching the starting point, at a time dependent on the bank.
  • In order for the airplane not to climb unintentionally during the exit, the backpressure is gradually released on the elevator control.

Questions

How do you control the bank in a steep turn?

  • Using the apparent horizon and appropriate scanning of the ATTITUDE INDICATOR / BANK POINTER.

How do you correct for the loss of airspeed in a steep turn produced by an increased angle of attack?

  • Increasing engine power.

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