Flight Training - Three Lessons From Steep Turns

I was asked the question, "Why can't I keep myproduces more lift than the left wing the airplane
bank angle and speed steady in 45 degree turns?"wants to roll to the left. So you must deflect the left
While this question looks quite simple, it is a veryaileron down and the right aileron up. In other words,
good one. There are several very useful conceptsyou must keep the aileron control slightly to the right
you can learn by understanding what happens in aof neutral in a left turn.
constant altitude, constant airspeed 45° bank.2. Now you know that airplanes are unstable in roll.
Let's assume that you enter a left turn byThe fact that it wants to increase its bank once a
coordinating your aileron and rudder. As your angle ofbank has been established and the airplane is turning
bank increases you have to pull back further on thetells you this. So it requires your input to keep the
elevator control. Once the bank approaches 45°,bank from increasing.
you once again coordinate your aileron and rudderIt may not be obvious but you are in a slight pitch up
movement to stop the roll and maintain a constantangle of attack. This is because your airplane must lift
bank but you must continue pulling back on your141% of its weight. The increased angle of attack
elevator control.causes P-factor. Just as you must compensate for
1. Where you look now is very important. MostP-factor in a climb, you must compensate for
important is that you notice where the horizon cutsP-factor in a steep turn. That is why you must push
the top of the instrument panel. A quick glance aton the right rudder pedal. So there you are: turning
the artificial horizon will verify that you are indeed atleft even though you are keeping the rudder and
45 degrees. In most airplanes, that tiny white ball inaileron to the right of neutral. Steep turns to the right
the center of the artificial horizon instrument will beare not exactly symmetric to steep turns to the left.
just slightly above the instrument's horizon. But beP-factor persists. More often than not you will find
careful: don't stare at that instrument.that you are pushing on right rudder pedal in a right
Now glance at the altimeter quickly. Is it moving?turn even though your aileron control is slightly to the
Verify that the ball has been centered. Before youleft of center.
move any controls, look out the window straightSteep turns, like any other realm of flying, require
ahead. Then adjust your angle of bank and pitchthat you move the controls to adjust the airplane's
attitude. One more time take a quick scan of theattitude. You should not move your controls to some
instruments. Keep this scan going. But spend most ofpre-conceived position but only to change attitude.
your time looking outside.3. The absolutely most useful lesson to learn from
Notice that I did not include the airspeed indicator intight turns is to fly the airplane by controlling its
your scan. It is not important. If you hold altitude andattitude not by moving its controls to some
bank constant, your airspeed will settle down and quitpreconceived position. By comparison, the facts that
moving.you eventually put the controls in a position opposite
Interestingly enough, your aileron and rudder controlsto the direction of turn to maintain a steady bank
are to the right of neutral even though you are in aand that an airplane is unstable in roll are just
left turn. When you turn left your right wing inscribescuriosities.
a bigger circle through the air than your left wing. SoExecuting steep turns is an important and useful skill
it must travel faster. Since it is going faster, itto master. It is also an essential exercise when
produces more lift. Of course, when the right wingbecoming familiar with an airplane.