Steep Turns

1. Upon completion of your clearing turns, select a reference point on the horizon and note your heading and altitude.
2. Roll into a 50° angle-of-bank turn at or below VA. During roll-in, smoothly add power and slowly increase back pressure on the yoke to maintain altitude. Maintain coordinated flight and trim to relive control pressure.
3. Maintain your angle of bank and altitude. Confirm your altitude by referring to both the natural horizon and attitude indicator. Use your altimeter and vertical speed indicator to determine if changes in pitch are required.
4. Anticipate the change in direction of the turn by leading the roll-out heading by one-half the bank angle, approximately 25°. Roll out on the entry heading and briskly roll into a 50° banked turn in the opposite direction.
5. After the initial roll-in to the turn, confirm your attitude by referring to both the natural horizon and attitude indicator. Use your altimeter and vertical speed indicator to determine if changes in pitch are necessary. Anticipate the roll-out by leading the rollout heading approximately 25°.
6. Roll out on the entry heading and altitude. Decrease back pressure n the yoke, and reduce power to maintain altitude and airspeed. Trim to relieve control pressures.

PTS Requirements

• Exhibit knowledge of the elements related to steep turns
• Select an altitude that will allow the maneuver to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet AGL or the manufacturers recommended altitude, whichever is higher.
• Establish an airspeed as recommended by the aircraft manufacturer or as specified by the examiner not to exceed VA.
• Roll into a coordinated 360° turn; maintain a 50° angle of bank, +/- 5°, followed immediately by a 360° turn in the opposite direction.
• Divide your attention between airplane control and orientation.
• Roll out on the entry heading +/-10°.
• Maintain entry altitude, +/-100 feet and airspeed +/-10 knots.