Objective

Develop the student’s ability to plan and execute a steep spiral.

Elements

• altitude considerations
• real-world uses
• aerodynamics
• execution

Schedule

Introduction	05
Main body	25
Application	05
Conclusion	05
Total	40 minutes

Equipment

• model aircraft
• whiteboard and markers
• Airplane Flying Handbook
• UND standardization manual

Instructor actions

In a guided discussion, explain the aerodynamics, procedures, and execution for steep spirals, using whiteboard illustrations and a model aircraft.

Student actions

Take notes and practice the configuration and setup for a steep spiral prior to the flight.

Completion standards

The student should be able to explain the aerodynamics, procedures, and execution for steep spirals, and in the aircraft, execute a steep spiral meeting or close to PTS standards.

Teaching outline

• when would a steep spiral be used?
  • emergency descent, when positioning for an emergency landing
• setup
  • start with enough altitude to complete three full turns
  • continue below 1000 agl only when simulated or actual emergency
  • horizon references; similarities to steep turns
  • aircraft configured (below)
  • ground reference point that extends into distance
• power to idle
  • establish airspeed of 95 knots (±10)
• bank to maintain constant radius (±10°)
  • pitch and trim for airspeed
• wind correction as in turns around a point
  • coordination
• track the number of turns
  • division of attention in and out of cockpit
• clear the throttle every 360°?(why do we do this?)
• exit on specified heading with a possible landing spot (±10°)

Specific procedures

• Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow:
  • 95 knots
  • boost on, gas fullest, gear up, mix rich, prop high
• Cessna 172S Skyhawk
  • ? knots
• Cessna 172R Skyhawk
  • ? knots