Steep Turns
Steep turns, at the private pilot level, are performed at a 45° bank. To perform a steep turn:
- Always start steep turns below maneuvering speed (Va)
- Realize that you will lose vertical lift while horizontal lift increases
- This necessitates increased back pressure on the yoke to compensate for the loss of lift
- This back pressure induces both lift and drag which requires more power to maintain the original airspeed
Steps to Perform a Steep Turn
A steep turn is not hard, per se, but if you don't learn it correctly from the beginning, it can be difficult to relearn properly. Read the following carefully, perhaps several times.
The most common error I see is the student looking at the instruments to perform a steep turn. Realize a steep turn is a VISUAL maneuver. You should therefore spend about 90% of your time looking out the front window.
Here's how I teach it:
- Clear the area for traffic
- Pick a reference point well in the distance in front of you
- Add a little power (1-200 RPM or 1-2" of manifold pressure). Yes, do it before you even start the turn.
- Smoothly roll into a 30° bank
- As you pass the 30° mark, continue the roll to 45° while pulling back on the yoke to keep the nose from falling
- *** Now, this is the key: Look out the front window and find the attitude of the airplane that keeps the altimeter from moving. Memorize what this looks like by taking a mental snapshot of how the horizon intersects the glareshield or cowling of the airplane. It will be the same every time. Do this for both sides. ***
- As you turn, occasionally scan the altimeter and angle of bank on the attitude indicator, then go right back to looking outside
- When you see your initial heading reference point, begin to roll out of the turn while pushing forward on the yoke to maintain level flight
It sounds like a lot, but I promise if you memorize and practice those steps exactly like that, you quickly master the steep turn.
Common Mistakes
- Insufficient back pressure during steep turns to left
- Excessive back pressure during steep turns to right
- Excessive or insufficient power during steep turns
- Failure to maintain airspeed
ACS Testing Objectives
- Altitude +/- 100 ft
- Roll out on entry heading +/- 10°
- Airspeed +/- 10 knots
- Maintains bank angle of 45° +/- 5°