Objective:

To develop the pilot's ability to compensate for wind drift during turns, orient the flightpath with ground references, and divide the pilot's attention.

Elements:

1. Determine the wind direction and speed.
2. Select a ground reference line (straight road) with suitable emergency landing areas.
3. Plan the maneuver so as to enter at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL.
4. Configure and establish airspeed (Va) prior to entry.
5. Enter the maneuver with the airplane headed downwind and the first turn to the left.
6. Apply adequate wind-drift correction to track semicircles of equal radii on either side of the selected ground reference line.
7. Divide attention between airplane control and ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.
8. Turn reversal over the ground reference line.
9. Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots.

Common Errors:

1. Failure to clear the area of other traffic.
2. Faulty entry technique.
3. Poor planning, orientation, or division of attention.
4. Uncoordinated flight control application.
5. Improper correction for wind drift.
6. An unsymmetrical ground track.
7. Failure to maintain selected altitude or airspeed.
8. Selection of a ground reference line without suitable emergency landing area within gliding distance.

References:

• FAA Private Pilot PTS
  • Above 600’ and below 1000’
  • ±100' and ±10 kts
  • Reverse course and depart at entry point (figure 8)
• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-17 (Aerodynamic Forces During Maneuvers)
• Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 6-6

Notes:

See the effects of wind.
How this related to turns in the traffic pattern, and s-turning on final.
Best to go around instead of s-turns.
In case of emergency, no choice but to s-turn.

Printer Fiendly