Turns Around a Point
The turn around a point maneuver is a 360º constant-radius turn around a single ground-based reference point. Higher groundspeeds require steeper banks. Slower ground speeds require shallower banks.
The pilot should make bank angle adjustments by applying coordinated aileron and rudder pressure throughout the turn. The pilot should complete two or more turns.
The pilot should ensure that the reference point is visible at all times throughout the maneuver, even with the wing lowered in a bank. In a high-wing airplane, the pilot may need to change the maneuvering altitude or the desired turn radius.
Upon entering the maneuver (downwind), the pilot should progressively adjust the airplane's heading toward the inside of the turn.
Thereafter, the pilot should gradually decrease the angle of bank until the airplane is headed directly upwind.
During the upwind half of the turn, the pilot should progressively adjust the airplane's heading toward the outside of the turn.
Airman Certification Standards
- 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.
- Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.
- Maintain altitude ±100 feet; maintain airspeed ±10 knots.