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.