Pegasus Aviation Service, LLC

Turns Around a Point BACK to Index

DescriptionMaintaining a constant radius turn around a reference point while remaining at a constant altitude. ObjectiveDevelop the ability to control the airplane while dividing your attention between flight path and a ground reference point. Procedure• Complete pre-maneuver checklist. Clear the area. Make radio calls as appropriate. Maintain 2300 RPM and approximately 90 KIAS. Note wind direction using locally reported weather stations, blowing smoke/dust, or groundspeed using the GPS.• Select a ground reference point. Select a prominent reference point on the ground away from a populated area.• Enter the turn downwind. When reference point is abeam airplane on a downwind heading, roll into turn to begin the maneuver. Entering on the downwind should provide the highest groundspeed and initially requires the steepest angle of bank.• Turn crosswind from downwind. Maintain a constant distance from reference point by gradually reducing the angle of bank and groundspeed decreases due to reduced tailwind.• Turn upwind. After the first 180° of the turn, bank angle should be at it’s shallowest due to slowest groundspeed heading into the wind.• Complete the first turn. As you turn crosswind from upwind, gradually increase the angle of bank to maintain symmetrical ground track. Complete at least two 360° turns. Note ACS requires this maneuver to be completed 600-1000 feet AGL. ACS Standards• Clear the area.• Select a suitable ground reference area, line, or point as appropriate.• Enter at an appropriate distance from the reference point, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area• Apply adequate wind-drift correction during straight and turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around a rectangular reference area, or to maintain a constant radius turn on each side of a selected reference line or point.• Complete turns in either direction, as specified by the evaluator.• Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.• Maintain altitude ±100 feet; maintain airspeed ±10 knots.