Objectives
To teach how to complete a steep turn in a heavier aeroplane:
Motivation
Controlling a heavier aeroplane and maintaining altitude and airspeed during a steep turn can be more difficult and require considerably heavier control forces. Additionally, a student must be prepared to control the aeroplane should an engine failure occur during a turn.
Essential Background Knowledge
Explain:
- Required pitch attitude
- Required additional power
- Rolling tendencies and ambiguities, depending on which engine fails during a turn
Advice to Instructors
This exercise emphasizes handling an aeroplane during a steep turn. It is important that the student be able to perform an accurate steep turn before expecting proficiency in handling the one engine inoperative condition, should it occur during a turn.
This exercise should be practised at various speeds throughout the normal cruise speed range of the aeroplane.
Simulate engine failures by reducing the power to idle while calling out "simulated". When the student is practising, obscure the throttles from view until they correctly establish which engine has failed.
Instruction and Student Practice
Ensure that the appropriate safety checks are completed prior to conducting this exercise.
Demonstrate a 45-degree bank steep turn and have your student practise to get the feel of the control forces required. After the student achieves a degree of proficiency with steep turns, simulate a failure of the engine on the high side of the turn. Point out that the aeroplane will have a tendency to roll level. Roll the aeroplane level and conduct the engine failure drill in accordance with Exercise #6, Engine Failure (Cruise Flight). Restore the “failed” engine power and resume cruise flight. Allow for student practice.
Enter another steep turn and then fail the engine on the low side of the turn. Point out that the aeroplane may tend to roll into the turn. Considerable control input will be required to roll the aeroplane level. Roll the aeroplane level and conduct the engine failure drill in accordance with Exercise #6, Engine Failure (Cruise Flight). Restore the “failed” engine power and resume cruise flight. Clarify student concerns. Return control of the aeroplane to the student. Have the student practise the exercise.
Encourage the student to do the engine failure checks only a few items at a time (once the memory items are completed) and to monitor the aeroplane performance between these items. This will help overcome the natural tendency to give most attention to checks and neglect lookout and control of the aeroplane. Practise as required, using various airspeeds on subsequent flights.