Steep Turns

How to perform a steep turn ...

Steep turn to the left

(as seen from the right seat)

Steep turn to the right

(as seen from the right seat)

References

FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 9, Steep Turns
FAA-S-ACS-6B, Private Pilot ‒ Airplane, Airman Certification Standards, June 2018. V. Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers, Task A. Steep Turns.

Variations

The only difference between steeps turns for the private vs commercial ACS is that the private is done at a 45° bank while the commercial is done at a 50° bank. If you are practicing for the commercial just substitute 50° for 45° in the guide below. Here is a link to the commercial ACS:

FAA-S-ACS-7A, Commercial Pilot ‒ Airplane, Airman Certification Standards, June 2018. V. Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers, Task A. Steep Turns

Setup

The area should have already been cleared by performing clearing turns.
The aircraft should already be straight and level at the appropriate altitude, airspeed, trim and power setting. (For a C172SP this should be approximately 2100 RPM and 95 KTS.)
Choose a prominent landmark on the horizon, such as an easily distinguished mountain peak, and/or set the heading bug to mark the beginning and roll-out heading of one full turn.

Perform the maneuver ...

Perform a quick peek under the wing (in the direction of the turn) to verify that you are clear of traffic in the immediate vicinity of the turn. (Abort the maneuver and take appropriate action if traffic is seen.)
Roll briskly into the 45° bank for the steep turn while adding some power (increase to approximately 2300 RPM in the C172SP) and making sure not to let the nose drop (a common problem). You should keep the nose of the aircraft roughly on the horizon (see above pictures). Note that the exact view varies depending on your height, seat height, left or right (or center) seat, and in which direction you are doing your turn. Regardless, some portion of the cowling / instrument panel is typically intersected by the horizon. Once you find the correct view of the horizon intersecting the cowling / instrument panel that view should remain the same throughout the maneuver (other than your roll-in, roll-out, or adjustments needed to correct).
During the turn you should be dividing your attention between looking outside the aircraft and checking your instruments inside the aircraft. Be careful not to fixate on any particular instrument or view. Keep a scan going between the inside and outside items (listed below).
Commence your roll-out when you are within half your bank angle (20-25°) of your target heading. Adjust the rate of your roll-out so that your roll out on your target heading.
While rolling out you should also reduce your power to the same power setting that you had when you started the maneuver.
While rolling out you should also adjust your pitch to maintain (or reacquire) your specified altitude.
You should now be at the same altitude, heading, and airspeed as when you started the maneuver.

Items to continually check during the maneuver ...

Outside

Do a visual check of the 45° bank. Adjust your bank if/as needed to maintain 45°.
Do a visual check of your pitch by evaluating the intersection of the horizon with the cowling / instrument panel. Adjust your pitch if/as needed to maintain (or reacquire) the specified altitude.
Check your view to determine if you are getting close to your roll-out heading. You'll want to commence your roll-out at half the bank angle (approximately 20-25°) before your target roll-out heading.
Keep an eye out for traffic whenever you are looking outside.

Inside

Check the attitude indicator for 45° bank (halfway between the 30° and 60° indications on the attitude indicator.) . Adjust your bank if/as needed to maintain 45°.
Check your altitude indicator and evaluate your altitude relative to the specified altitude. Adjust your pitch if/as needed to maintain (or reacquire) the specified altitude. Be careful not to overshoot or undershoot your altitude when reacquiring.
Check the slip/skip indicator and adjust your rudder peddle pressure as needed to hold the ball centered.
Adjust your power to maintain your original airspeed throughout the maneuver.
Check your heading bug to determine if you are getting close to your roll-out heading. You'll want to commence your roll-out at half the bank angle (approximately 20-25°) before your target roll-out heading.

Steep Turns (excerpted from the Private Pilot ACS)

From: FAA-S-ACS-6B, Private Pilot ‒ Airplane, Airman Certification Standards, June 2018. V. Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers, Task A. Steep Turns.

References

FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM

Objective

To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with steep turns.

Note: See Appendix 7: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations.

Knowledge - The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

PA.V.A.K1 Purpose of steep turns.

PA.V.A.K2 Aerodynamics associated with steep turns, to include:

PA.V.A.K2a a. Coordinated and uncoordinated flight

PA.V.A.K2b b. Overbanking tendencies

PA.V.A.K2c c. Maneuvering speed, including the impact of weight changes

PA.V.A.K2d d. Load factor and accelerated stalls

PA.V.A.K2e e. Rate and radius of turn

Risk Management - The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

PA.V.A.R1 Failure to divide attention between airplane control and orientation.

PA.V.A.R2 Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.

PA.V.A.R3 Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.

PA.V.A.R4 Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.

PA.V.A.R5 Failure to maintain coordinated flight.

Skills - The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

PA.V.A.S1 Clear the area.

PA.V.A.S2 Establish the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed; or if one is not available, a safe airspeed not to exceed VA.

PA.V.A.S3 Roll into a coordinated 360° steep turn with approximately a 45° bank (50° for commercial).

PA.V.A.S4 Perform the Task in the opposite direction, as specified by evaluator.

PA.V.A.S5 Maintain the entry altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, bank ±5°, and roll out on the entry heading ±10°.

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