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Steep Turns

Two things will become apparent with steep turns. The first is the increased ‘g’ loading that will be felt, and the second is the disorientation due to the increased bank. Generally students will not be used to the amount of back pressure they will have to exert in most aircraft to maintain what will seem to be an unusual attitude. There are as well a lot of misconceptions that the controls will be reversed, with aileron and rudder taking on the others functions. Nothing could be further from the truth! The rudder will still be used to keep the yaw string straight. Further, the nose is held at a constant point on the horizon, its just that this will seem visually strange. The effect is still to angle the wings to increase the lift so that the weight of the airplane can be properly supported. The outline for this exercise is:

  1. Student must have properly executed medium turns up to 45 degrees of bank, with good command of yaw and speed control.
  2. Student checked on performance of CALL check. Linked turns coached to 45 degree bank angle.
  3. Initial turns entered from level flight. Student coached to proper nose lower entry attitude.
  4. Student checked on lookout.
  5. Student coached to 60-degree bank angle turn. Proper use of yaw string and pitch attitude required.  If difficulties encountered, instructor can demonstrate with student following through and then can coach the student through another attempt.
  6. Student coached to level flight.
  7. Student coached to steep turn in opposite direction.

The instructor should have students attempt these at 45 degrees first and should emphasize both the attitude and the amount of back pressure that must be used to maintain the pitch attitude. It is more critical than ever that students remain centred in the cockpit (no leaning) and focus ahead until the turn is established. More control input will be needed than generally is anticipated by the student. While good lookouts are still encouraged, the instructor should avoid directing the students’ attention to the upward wing, as some may become airsick or experience vertigo. Roll out from steep turns should be accompanied by a reminder to lower the nose to the wings level attitude.