XII.B.

S-Turns Across a
Road_____________________________________________________
References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. AC 61-21 (Flight Training Handbook) pg. 136
3. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilots Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-17

Objective To develop the student’s ability to compensate for drift during turns, orient the flight path
with ground references, and divide the pilot’s attention during S- Turns Across a Road.

Elements 1.How to select a suitable altitude

2.How to select a suitable ground reference line with consideration given to emergency landing
areas.
3.Orientation, division of attention and planning.
4.Configuration and airspeed prior to entry.
5.Entry technique.
6.Wind drift correction.
7.Tracking of semicircles of equal radii on either side of the selected ground reference.
8.How to maintain desired altitude and airspeed.
9.Turn reversal over the ground reference line.
10.Coordination of flight controls.

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 01

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 10
4. Conclusion 03
5. Total 15

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. 3 Presentation Boards
3. FTH
4. Private PTS
5. Model Airplane

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when SP demonstrates an understanding of the elements of S-Turns
Standards Across a Road

XII.B.S-Turns Across a Road

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INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? – A maneuver in which the aircraft's ground track is comprised of semi-circles of equal radii on each
side of a straight line ground reference.

WHY? – This maneuver is performed to develop the ability to subconsciously control the airplane while dividing
attention between the flight-path and ground references and watching for other traffic in the vicinity. In addition
the student will develop a better understanding of the winds effect on the aircraft's ground track and groundspeed
which will aid in executing safe and accurate airport traffic patterns.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to S Turns Across a Road, including:
1. Safety
2. Procedure
3. Maneuver Considerations
4. Common Errors
DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?

1.) SAFETY:
A.) Emergency Landing Site
1. Location
2.) PROCEDURE:
A.) Pre-Maneuver
1. Locate Reference. Reference Must:
a) be straight
b) be of sufficient length for making a series of turns
c) be perpendicular to wind
d) be in a remote area away from livestock, communities, assemblies of people, etc…
e) HAVE AN EMERGENCY LANDING AREA WITHIN GLIDING DISTANCE
2. Pre-maneuver Checks
a) Pre-maneuver check
b) Clear the area
c) Make radio call
B.) Entry
1. Enter DOWNWIND and perpendicular to the road at 600 – 1,000 ft. AGL
2. Speed: At or Below Va
3. Configuration
a) Arrow
(1) 100 knots (19" MP/2400 RPM)
(2) Gear Up
(3) Flaps Up
b) Cadet
(1) 95 knots (2250 RPM)
(2) Flaps Up
4. When over reference line, immediately roll into a coordinated bank up to but not exceeding 45
degrees
a) Steepest bank because of greatest groundspeed

XII.B.S-Turns Across a Road

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 C.) Maneuver
1. 0-90 DEGREES:
a) Changing from downwind to crosswind
b) Ground speed decreases
c) Bank reduces from steepest to moderate angle
d) Moderate change rate
2. 90-180 DEGREES: Altitude
a) Changing from crosswind to upwind
b) Ground speed continuing to decrease
c) Bank reduces from moderate to shallow bank
d) Time wings level so that aircraft's wings are parallel with the road.
e) Small, slow change rate
3. 180 DEGREES:
a) Turn complete exactly as airplane crosses road
b) Airplane perpendicular to road
c) Should not require any straight and level flight
d) Enter second 180 turn to mirror first ground track
e) Use same size radius ground track
4. 0-90 DEGREES:
a) Changing from upwind to crosswind
b) Ground speed increasing
c) Bank increase from shallow to moderate
d) Small, slow change rate then to moderate change rate
5. 90-180 DEGREES:
a) Changing from crosswind to downwind
b) Ground speed continuing to increase
c) Bank increase from moderate to steepest
d) Moderate change rate then quicker, large change rate
6. 180 DEGREES:
a) Downwind -- fastest groundspeed
b) Roll out of turn relatively quickly to wings level, airplane perpendicular to road

COMMON ERRORS
1.) FAULTY ENTRY TECHNIQUE
A.) Downwind and Perpendicular
B.) Proper Configuration PRIOR to crossing reference line
2.) POOR PLANNING, ORIENTATION, OR DIVISION OF ATTENTION
A.) Proper planning
1. Constantly changing the bank
B.) Proper orientation
1. Knowing Ground Reference position and Wind direction at all times
C.) Proper division attention
1. Maintains a proper ground track, altitude, and airspeed.
2. Watches for other aircraft that have entered the area near you.
3.) UNCOORDINATED FLIGHT CONTROL APPLICATION
A.) Do not use the rudder to yaw.
B.) Maintain coordinated flight throughout this maneuver.
4.) IMPROPER CORRECTION FOR WIND DRIFT
A.) Steepest bank: Downwind.
B.) Shallowest bank: Upwind.
C.) Crab: Cross Wind

5.) AN UNSYMMETRICAL GROUND TRACK.

A.) Your first semicircle will establish the radii of the semicircles.
1. Visualize your ground track and plan for the effect that the wind will have on the ground track.
B.) The bank of your airplane must be constantly changing (except in the case of no wind) in order to effect a
true semicircular ground track.
XII.B.S-Turns Across a Road
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6.) FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SELECTED ALTITUDE OR AIRSPEED.
A.) Constant throttle position, however.
B.) Do what you have to.
7.) SELECTION OF A GROUND REFERENCE LINE WHERE THERE IS NO SUITABLE EMERGENCY
LANDING AREA WITHIN GLIDING DISTANCE.
A.) Result of poor planning - must be prepared for an emergency.

CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. How to select a suitable altitude.
2. How to select a suitable ground reference line with an emergency landing area.
3. Orientation, division of attention and planning.
4. Configuration and airspeed prior to entry.
5. Entry technique.
6. Wind drift correction.
7. Tracking of semicircles of equal radii on either side of the selected ground reference.
8. How to maintain desired altitude and airspeed.
9. Turn reversal over the ground reference line.
10. Coordination of flight controls.

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
1. This lesson will be complete when the student has understanding of S Turns Across a Road and can
demonstrate maneuver to Private PTS.

PRIVATE PTS
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements of an S-Turn
2. Determines Wind Direction and Speed
3. Selects reference with EMERGENCY LANDING AREA within Gliding Distance
4. Enters maneuver at 600 to 1,000 feet AGL
5. Enters Downwind
6. Enters Perpendicular to reference
7. Applies adequate wind-drift correction to track two constant radius half circles
8. Divides attention between airplane control and ground track
9. Maintains Coordinated Flight
10. Reverses course and exits at the point of entry at the same altitude and airspeed
11. Maintains altitude +/- 100 feet
12. Maintains Airspeed +/- 10 Kts

COMMERCIAL PTS
Not Applicable

XII.B.S-Turns Across a Road

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