Steep Turns

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:

• Higher load factors.
• The airplane’s inherent overbanking tendency.
• The need for additional power to maintain airspeed.
• The need for substantial pitch control pressures to maintain the vertical component of lift.

The Need for Additional Power in a Steep Turn

As an airplane is banked, back pressure on the pitch control is applied to maintain level flight. The increase in lift results in more drag and a slower airspeed.

The turn also increases the load factor and stalling speed. Power must be increased to overcome drag and maintain a margin above the stall speed.

How to Perform a Steep Turn

Pre-Maneuver Checks and Configuration

• Clear the area
• Heading established and noted:
• Select a suitable reference point on the horizon
• Align the heading bug, if equipped
• Altitude established:
• No lower than 1,500′ AGL [ASEL]

• No lower than 3,000′ AGL [AMEL]
• Position near a suitable emergency landing area and away from hazards
• Set power and aircraft configuration:
• Perform the clean (cruise) configuration flow
• Establish the recommended airspeed, or if not stated, an airspeed at or below V_A or V_O

Entry

1. Note the pitch and power settings for use during the rollout.
2. Smoothly and firmly apply aileron and rudder pressure in the direction of the desired turn.
3. As the bank angle increases, apply back pressure on the pitch control to maintain level flight.
4. Apply trim as desired to relieve control pressures.
5. Add power as required to maintain airspeed.

Execution

• Maintain coordinated flight.
• Use the aileron to control the bank angle and counteract the overbanking tendency.
• Adjust power for airspeed deviations.
• Make small pitch and bank corrections for altitude deviations:
• If altitude decreases, momentarily reduce the bank angle by a few degrees.
• If altitude increases, momentarily increase the bank angle a few degrees.

Rollout

1. Lead the rollout heading by approximately one-half the bank angle.
2. Simultaneously level the pitch attitude and return power to the entry setting.
3. Immediately roll into a turn in the opposite direction, if appropriate.

Exit

1. Return to cruise attitude and airspeed.
2. Retrim to relieve control pressures.
3. Complete the cruise checklist.

Common Errors for Steep Turns

• Failure to scan for traffic before and during the maneuver
• Inadequate pitch control on entry or rollout
• Gaining altitude in right turns and losing altitude in left turns (when flown from the left seat)
• Failure to maintain a constant bank angle
• Poor flight control coordination
• Ineffective use of trim or power

• Loss of orientation
• Overcontrolling (low and fast to high and slow and vice-versa)
• Performing by reference to the flight instruments rather than visual references
• Attempting to start the rollout prematurely
• Not completing the turn on the designated heading or reference

Airman Certification Standards for Steep Turns