Book Category: Flight Operations

What are S-Turns? An S-turn is a ground reference maneuver in which the airplane’s ground track resembles two opposite but equal half-circles on each side of a selected ground-based straight-line reference. The airplane crosses the reference line at a 90° angle and immediately begins a series of 180° turns in alternating directions. Indicated airspeed and […]

What is a Rectangular Course? A rectangular course is a ground reference maneuver in which the airplane maintains an equal distance from all sides of the selected rectangular reference area. The maneuver is accomplished to replicate the airport traffic pattern that an airplane typically maneuvers while landing. Indicated airspeed and altitude are held constant during […]

What is a Lazy Eight? A lazy eight is a complex flight maneuver involving a series of gentle, symmetrical climbing and descending turns in opposite directions. It is the only standard flight training maneuver in which flight control pressures constantly change. Lazy eights can be loosely compared to S-turns across a road, which consist of […]

What is a Chandelle? A chandelle is a maximum-performance climbing turn that begins from straight-and-level flight and ends after a 180° turn in a wings-level, nose-high attitude just above stall speed. The goal is to gain the most altitude possible for a given bank angle and power setting. Correcting for Left-Turning Tendencies As airspeed decreases […]

What is a Steep Spiral? A steep spiral is a steeply banked gliding turn in which the pilot maintains a constant radius around a ground reference point. For training purposes, it consists of at least three 360° turns and begins at an altitude that permits the maneuver to be completed at no lower than 1,500′ […]

What is a Steep Turn? Steep turns consist of a single or multiple 360° turns in either or both directions, generally using a bank angle of 45° or 50° for training purposes. During the maneuver, pilots must maintain a constant altitude, airspeed, and bank angle. When performing steep turns, pilots are exposed to: Related: The […]