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References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3A, pgs. 6-7 to 6-9
3. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-17
Objective To develop the student’s ability to compensate for drift during turns, orient the flight path
with a ground reference point, and divide the pilot’s attention turns around a point.
Completion This lesson will be complete when SP demonstrates an understanding of the elements of Turns
Standards around a point.
WHAT? – A maneuver in which the aircraft maintains the same radius around a point on the ground.
WHY? – This maneuver is performed to develop the ability to subconsciously control the airplane while dividing
attention between the flight-path and ground references and watching for other traffic in the vicinity. In addition
the student will develop a better understanding of the winds effect on the aircraft's ground track and groundspeed
which will aid in executing safe and accurate airport traffic patterns.
OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Turns Around A Point, including:
1. Safety
2. Procedure
3. Maneuver Considerations
4. Common Errors
DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) SAFETY:
A.) Emergency Landing Site
1. Location
2.) PROCEDURE:
A.) Pre-Maneuver
1. Locate Reference. Reference Must:
a) be prominent
b) HAVE AN EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WITHIN GLIDING DISTANCE
c) be in a remote area away from livestock, communities, assemblies of people, etc…
2. Pre-maneuver Checks
a) Pre-maneuver check
b) Clear the area
c) Make radio call
B.) Entry
1. Enter DOWNWIND and at an equal distance laterally and vertically at 600 – 1,000 ft. AGL
2. Speed: At or Below Va
3. Configuration
a) Arrow
(1) 100 knots (19" MP/2400 RPM)
(2) Gear Up
(3) Flaps Up
b) Cadet
(1) 95 knots (2250 RPM)
(2) Flaps Up
4. When abeam point on downwind, immediately roll into a coordinated bank up to but not exceeding
45 degrees
a) Steepest bank because of greatest groundspeed
COMMON ERRORS
1.) FAULTY ENTRY TECHNIQUE
A.) Not properly identifying direction of the wind.
B.) Proper Configuration PRIOR to entering the turn.
2.) POOR PLANNING, ORIENTATION, OR DIVISION OF ATTENTION
A.) Proper planning
1. Constantly changing the bank
B.) Proper orientation
1. Knowing Ground Reference position and Wind direction at all times
C.) Proper division attention
1. Maintains a proper ground track, altitude, and airspeed.
2. Watches for other aircraft that have entered the area near you.
3.) UNCOORDINATED FLIGHT CONTROL APPLICATION
A.) Do not use the rudder to yaw.
B.) Maintain coordinated flight throughout this maneuver.
4.) IMPROPER CORRECTION FOR WIND DRIFT
A.) Steepest bank: Downwind.
B.) Shallowest bank: Upwind.
C.) Crab: Cross Wind
CONCLUSION
OVERVIEW
XII.B.S-Turns Around A Point
Page 3 of 4
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. How to select a suitable altitude.
2. How to select a suitable ground reference line with an emergency landing area.
3. Orientation, division of attention and planning.
4. Configuration and airspeed prior to entry.
5. Entry technique.
6. Wind drift correction.
7. Tracking of a circle of equal radius throughout the selected ground reference maneuver.
8. How to maintain desired altitude and airspeed.
9. Coordination of flight controls.
COMPLETION STANDARDS:
1. This lesson will be complete when the student has understanding of Turns Around A point and can
demonstrate maneuver to Private PTS.
PRIVATE PTS
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements of Turns Around A Point
2. Determines Wind Direction and Speed
3. Selects reference with EMERGENCY LANDING AREA within Gliding Distance
4. Enters maneuver at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL
5. Enters Downwind
6. Applies adequate wind-drift correction to track a consistent radius around the point
7. Divides attention between airplane control and ground track
8. Maintains Coordinated Flight
9. Exits at point of entry
10. Maintains altitude +/- 100 feet
11. Maintains Airspeed +/- 10 Kts
COMMERCIAL PTS
Not Applicable