Turn technique

An accurate (coordinated) turn: chosen bank angle held, no slip or skid, steady altitude (TP 1102).

Bank classes:

• Climbing turns: normally gentle.
• Descending turns: may be gentle, medium, or steep.

Entry:

1. Look out.
2. Roll to bank with aileron.
3. Coordinate rudder against adverse yaw.
4. Hold pitch with elevator.
5. Keep looking out.

Signs of an accurate turn:

• Nose steady on horizon.
• Airspeed constant.
• Turn indicator: constant rate.
• Ball centred.
• Altimeter steady on selected altitude.

Climbing and descending turns:

• Same control inputs as level turns, holding constant climb or descent, not altitude.
• Descending power: back from cruise toward fully closed as needed.
• Controls respond less than power-on.
• Power-off descending turn: used in forced landing, needs near-subconscious proficiency; loses more altitude than straight descent.
• Recovery: ease off elevator pressure, or nose rises too high and airspeed is lost.

Steep turns (over 30°):

• Need complete, simultaneous coordination of all controls.
• Extra look-out before turn: heading changes fast.
• Entry: as for medium turn, then move control column back as bank passes medium to hold pitch; hold bank constant with aileron once established.
• Tighter radius, faster rate suit collision avoidance or a canyon turn reversing course.
• Speed: no slower than maximum-endurance speed (between slow-flight speed and max-range speed).
• A little flap lowers stall speed for extra margin.
• Canyon turn rarely needs over 180°.

Steep descending turn: can descend aircraft through a cloud hole when adequate reference to ground or water cannot be maintained (TP 1102 Ex.9 Turns).

• Maintain a safe, constant airspeed.
• Avoid a spiral.

Trap: limiting descending turns to one bank class.

Practice