Private Pilot Flight Lesson Plan – Turns Around A Point Gournd Maneuver

Objective:

To develop the skill and proficiency necessary to correct for wind while referencing to the ground as well as dividing attention outside the plane looking for traffic. It's the building blocks for other maneuvers like S-rurns along a road and Rectangular courses.

Elements:

Determine the wind direction and speed.
Select a ground reference point (90° intersecting roads) with suitable emergency landing areas
Plan the maneuver so as to enter at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL, at an appropriate distance from the reference point.
Configure and establish airspeed (Va) prior to entry.
Enter the maneuver with the airplane headed downwind and the first turn to the left.
Apply adequate wind-drift correction to track a constant radius circle around the selected reference point with a bank of approximately 45° at the steepest point in the turn.
Divide attention between airplane control and the ground track and maintains coordinated flight.
Complete two turns, exit at the point of entry at the same altitude and airspeed at which the maneuver was started, and reverse course (turns to the right).
Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots.

Common Errors:

Failure to clear the area of other traffic.
Faulty entry technique.
Poor planning, orientation, or division of attention.
Uncoordinated flight control application.
Improper correction for wind drift.
Failure to maintain selected altitude or airspeed.
Selection of a ground reference point without a suitable emergency landing area within gliding distance.

References:

FAA Private Pilot PTS
- Above 600’ and below 1000’
- ±100' and ±10 kts
- Left turns with exit up-wind and course reversal into right turns or as directed. Uses course reversal to make two circles in each direction.
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-17 (Aerodynamic Forces During Maneuvers)
Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 6-7 – 6-9