PPL Checkride Guide
← Area V. Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers

Task V.A

Steep Turns

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

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Chair fly this task

Quick Review

Tolerances per FAA-S-ACS-6C (ASEL).

Technique Notes

Hit that 45° bank. Commit to it (50° is the commercial standard). Rolling to 40° "to be safe" just means I'm out of tolerance the moment the bank relaxes at all — establish the full 45° and hold it there.

Rolling in and out, remember adverse yaw: there is more drag on the up-going wing because its aileron is deflected down, so the nose gets pulled opposite the roll. Coordinate every roll with rudder in the direction of the turn.

Entry and flow

  • Clearing turns first. Pick a prominent reference on the horizon, and note the entry heading and altitude — the rollout target is that same heading.
  • Enter at or below maneuvering speed, roughly cruise power.
  • Roll in smoothly. Passing about 30° of bank, start adding back pressure and a small power increase; a touch of nose-up trim can help hold the pitch attitude.
  • Fly the horizon: keep the reference point of the cowling pinned on it, with quick inside scans of altimeter and attitude indicator.
  • Lead the rollout by about half the bank angle — start rolling out roughly 20° before the entry heading — and release back pressure, power, and trim as the bank comes off, or the airplane will balloon.
  • Typically flown as a 360° turn in each direction, rolling directly from one into the other.

Common errors

  • Losing altitude, then pulling harder — at steep bank that mostly tightens the turn. Shallow the bank a few degrees first, fix the pitch, then re-establish 45°.
  • Gaining altitude on rollout from forgetting to release back pressure and trim.
  • Not leading the rollout, blowing through the entry heading.
  • Staring at the instruments instead of flying the horizon.

Official ACS elementsreference

Knowledge7 elements

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.V.A.K1How to conduct a proper steep turn.
  • PA.V.A.K2Aerodynamics associated with steep turns, including:
  • PA.V.A.K2aa. Maintaining coordinated flight
  • PA.V.A.K2bb. Overbanking tendencies
  • PA.V.A.K2cc. Maneuvering speed, including the impact of weight changes
  • PA.V.A.K2dd. Load factor and accelerated stalls
  • PA.V.A.K2ee. Rate and radius of turn
Risk Management5 elements

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.V.A.R1Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
  • PA.V.A.R2Collision hazards.
  • PA.V.A.R3Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • PA.V.A.R4Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PA.V.A.R5Uncoordinated flight.
Skills5 elements

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.V.A.S1Clear the area.
  • PA.V.A.S2Establish the manufacturer's recommended airspeed; or if one is not available, an airspeed not to exceed the maneuvering speed (VA).
  • PA.V.A.S3Roll into a coordinated 360° steep turn with approximately a 45° bank.
  • PA.V.A.S4Perform the Task in the opposite direction, as specified by evaluator.
  • PA.V.A.S5Maintain the entry altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, bank ±5°, and roll out on the entry heading ±10°.