DONE 9F Commercial Flight Maneuvers - Steep Spirals

Question 0

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

2. What is the objective of a steep spiral? (FAA-H-8083-3)

Answer 0

The objective of this maneuver is to improve pilot techniques for airspeed control, wind drift control, planning, orientation, and division of attention. The steep spiral is not only a valuable flight training maneuver, but has practical application by providing a procedure for dissipating altitude while remaining over a selected spot in preparation for landing, especially for emergency forced landings.

Question 1

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

1. What is a steep spiral? (FAA-H-8083-3)

Answer 1

A steep spiral is nothing more than a constant gliding turn, during which a constant radius around a point on the ground is maintained similar to the maneuver “turns around a point.” The radius should be such that the steepest bank will not exceed 60°.

Question 2

• AIRPLANE ONLY*
  3. During the steep spiral, how will you maintain a turn of constant radius around the selected spot on the ground? (FAA-H-8083-3)

Answer 2

Maintaining a constant radius during the maneuver will require correction for wind drift by steepening the bank on downwind headings and shallowing the bank on upwind headings. During the descending spiral, the pilot must judge the direction and speed of the wind at different altitudes and make appropriate changes in the angle of bank to maintain a uniform radius.

Question 3

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

4. What standards must you maintain when executing a steep spiral? (FAA-S-8081-12)

Answer 3

Start at an altitude that will allow a series of three 360°-turns. Maintain the specified airspeed ±10 knots, roll out toward object or specified heading ±10°, and do not exceed 60° of bank while applying wind drift correction to track a constant radius circle around a defined reference point.