Turning
Learn to perform medium turns — 30° bank (normal level turn) — onto selected headings in level, climbing, and descending flight.
Lesson Summary
In this lesson you have learned to perform smooth, accurate medium turns onto selected headings. You can now:
- Enter, maintain, and roll out of coordinated 30° bank turns in level flight.
- Perform climbing turns (15° bank maximum) and descending turns (up to 30° bank), including level-off procedures.
- Understand and compensate for adverse yaw using coordinated rudder inputs.
- Recognize the reduced stall margin in turns and maintain adequate airspeed.
- Anticipate rollout using the heading indicator (half bank angle = 15° for a 30° bank turn).
- Apply the UNOS rule when turning onto headings using the magnetic compass.
- Use a slipping turn to increase descent rate without gaining airspeed.
Key Takeaways
Core Principles
- Lookout first — always clear the area before and during every turn.
- Bank — Balance — Back Pressure — the sequence for entering any turn.
- Coordination — ball centered throughout; "step on the ball."
- Anticipation — start rollout early to hit your target heading precisely.
Looking Ahead
Turning is fundamental to virtually all phases of flight. You will apply these skills immediately in the pattern (traffic pattern) flying, navigation, and instrument procedures. The ability to turn accurately and smoothly onto headings while maintaining altitude is one of the most important building blocks for your future flying.
Simulator Consolidation
Book time on the Aviator.NYC simulator to practice turning onto specific headings — try sequences like 360° to 090° to 180° to 270° and back. Focus on rolling out exactly on heading with coordinated inputs and constant altitude.
In your next lesson, you will learn about descending — controlling the aircraft's descent path using power and attitude to manage rate of descent, descent angle, and airspeed.
These lesson plans are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.