Lesson Plan: CFII Timed Turns 1

Objectives: Introduce the student to proper procedures for timed turns to compass
headings. Timed turns to compass headings are important because they
assist the pilot in dealing with compass errors

Elements:
 Review the errors and operating characteristics of the magnetic compass
 Calibration of the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator, both right
and left, using full panel and the clock;
 Procedures using full panel and partial panel performing compass turns
to a specified heading;
 Common Errors.

Time: 30 minutes

Equipment:
 Jeppesen Instrument Text Book (student)
 Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15
 Aviation Instructors Handbook, FAA-H-8083-9

Instructor Actions:
 Important to ensure the student understands the importance of
calibrating the instruments for timed turns to magnetic headings
otherwise the maneuver is useless.

Student Actions:
 Actively participate, take notes, be able to explain concepts back to the
instructor.

Oral quizzing:
 What is the procedure of calibration of the turn coordination?
 What is the difference between analogic and digital timer?
 How do you do a timed turn with all instruments available?
 How do you do a timed turn without

Completion Standard: The student should be able to recount the normal compass
errors from the previous Magnetic Compass lesson and now describe how
to complete timed turns to a compass heading including calibration and
common errors.

Nicolò Pomarolli Phoenix East Aviation 4/10/23

Lesson Plan: CFII Timed Turns 2

Timed turns to magnetic compass heading

Operating Characteristics & Errors of the Magnetic Compass

*** Refer to Magnetic Compass lesson plan ***

Calibration of the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator

Prior to performing timed turns using the Turn Coordinator we must first calibrate the
instrument to determine the accuracy. We achieve this by the following:

1) Make sure the heading indicator is aligned with compass.

2) With all instruments available, establish a standard rate turn as indicated by the
miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator. Ensure this turn is coordinated (rudder) and
level;

3) Now let’s measure it! You can do this 2 ways:

- Start the digital timer when passing over either 360, 090, 180 or 270 headings.
- If you have an analogic clock, note the heading when clock is “on the minute”.

4) If the heading changes more than 30° in 10 seconds, adjust the bank using the Turn
Coordinator until the heading is 30° in 10 seconds.
(If more than 30° in 10 seconds reduce rate of turn, if less than 30° in 10 seconds
increase the rate of turn);

5) Note exact calibrated deflection of miniature aircraft and use during all timed turns in
that direction!

6) Repeat for turn in opposite direction 

Nicolò Pomarolli Phoenix East Aviation 4/10/23

Lesson Plan: CFII Timed Turns 3

Timed Turns with All Instruments Available

Now we don’t use the heading indicator to roll out of a turn. We roll out only using the clock!

Remember to calculate duration of turn:

-3* per second for standard rate turn or
- 1.5* per second for half-standard rate of turn

Alright so…

1) Roll into coordinated standard rate turn (or ½ standard rate for small heading changes)
when the clock second hand passes a cardinal point (12, 3, 6, or 9) or start digital timer;
2) The first 30 seconds is used to establish the turn properly;
3) Primary for pitch/bank/power are ALT/TC/ASI;
4) After the first 30 seconds, the heading indicator should be checked against the clock
every 15 seconds;
5) Begin roll out when calculated time has elapsed; Time is started when pressure is
applied to roll into a turn and is stopped when pressure is applied to roll out;
6) With all instruments available, roll out on the desired heading regardless of time.
7) Roll-out same rate as roll-in;
8) Check HI for accuracy of turn.

Timed Turns partial panel (without Heading Indicator & Attitude Indicator)
1) Enter a coordinated standard rate turn, using the miniature aircraft of the turn
coordinator as the primary bank instrument while in the turn.
2) Turn for 30 seconds, using a constant miniature aircraft position;
3) At the end of 30 seconds, roll out of the turn at the same rate you made the roll-in;
4) With the wings level and the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator indicating zero
rate of turn, the magnetic compass should indicate that a turn of 90° has been made;
5) For small changes in heading, use a half-standard-rate turn as indicated by the miniature
aircraft of the turn coordinator;
6) Cross check MC.

Nicolò Pomarolli Phoenix East Aviation 4/10/23

Lesson Plan: CFII Timed Turns 4

Common Errors

Incorrect calibration procedures:

1) Coordinated level turn (not using rudder / climb & descent)
2) Not calibrating both directions (laziness and only calibrating one direction)

Improper timing:
1) Start time as you roll into turn;
2) Note the time elapsed;
3) Roll out at same rate as roll in or calibration is ineffective;

Uncoordinated use of controls:

1) Centered ball (poor rudder usage – SLIP / SKID into turn);

Trim to relieve control pressures:

1) Ensure trim is used to relieve control pressures in the turn;

Nicolò Pomarolli Phoenix East Aviation 4/10/23