Purpose of turns around a point

Turns around a point establishes a good foundation to build off for future maneuvers. Soon, you will be flying around the pattern using constant radius turns to maintain a rectangular shape. Practicing turns around a point will help you know how to adjust the aircraft to maintain that constant radius should there be, and there always is, winds.

Lesson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNjG-ccoBo8&ab_channel=MzeroAFlightTraining

Common Errors

  1. Failure to clear the area and and properly set up the aircraft for the maneuver
  2. Losing altitude caused by inadequate elevator input to counteract the loss of vertical lift
  3. Loss of airspeed caused by the slightly pitched up attitude required to maintain altitude. This can easily be corrected by adding some power
  4. Discoordination caused by failure to use rudder or use of too much rudder manifested as a slip or skid. An uncoordinated attitude is also displayed in the turn and bank indicator by the “ball”
  5. Improper division of attention between selected points and instruments
  6. Overcompensating bumps and light turbulence by excessive bank and rudder

Procedure

Configuration Power……………….2100 RPM Pitch…………………Level Airspeed………….90 MPH - 80 KTS

  1. entry
    1. establish aircraft in proper configuration as outlined above
    2. make certain flight path is clear (clearing turn)
    3. align aircraft perpendicular to point approx. 1/4 to 1/2 mile away on downwind leg
  2. Execution
    1. perform constant radius turn from the point using coordinated aileron and rudder inputs
    2. adjust bank angle for present headwinds and tailwinds
    3. divide attention between outside visual cues and aircraft instrumentation
    4. adjust pitch and power as necessary to maintain airspeed and altitude
  3. Recovery
    1. exit on the downwind leg after 2 complete turns
    2. establish climb by using pitch and power
    3. resume practice area configuration

Videos