BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 55
4.3.2. Turns. Many of the pitch, bank, and power principles discussed in maintaining
straight and level flight apply while performing level turns. Performing a level turn
requires an understanding of the following factors: how to enter the turn; how to
maintain bank, altitude, and airspeed during the turn; and how to recover from the turn.
Turns can be classified as either normal (standard rate or less) or steep. In either case, the
pitch, bank, and power principles of straight and level flight apply. Helicopters normally
operate under instrument conditions between 80 and 120 knots. From Figure 4.6, we can
see that at these speeds, 15° to 20° of bank will result in a standard rate turn, which is 3°
per second. While any rate greater than standard is considered a steep turn, most
helicopters practice steep turns using 30° of bank, which is the maximum angle of bank
recommended under instrument conditions.
Figure 4.6. Level Turns.
4.3.2.1. Bank Control.
4.3.2.1.1. Before Turning. Before entering a turn, decide upon the angle of bank
to be used. Factors to consider are true airspeed and the desired rate of turn. A
slow turn rate may unnecessarily prolong the turn, whereas a high rate of turn
may cause overshooting of the heading and difficulty with aircraft control. As a
guide, for small turns (15° or less), the angle of bank should approximate the
number of degrees to be turned. For turns of more than 15°, a standard rate turn is
normally used.
4.3.2.1.2. Turning. To enter a turn, refer to the altitude indicator while applying
smooth, coordinated control pressures to establish the desired angle of bank.
Bank control should then be maintained throughout the turn by reference to the
attitude indicator. Crosscheck the heading indicator or turn needle to determine if
the rate of turn is satisfactory. Trim may be helpful during prolonged turns to
assist in aircraft control.
4.3.2.1.3. Rolling Out. To roll out of a turn on a desired heading, a lead point
must be used. The amount of lead required depends upon the amount of bank
used for the turn, the rate the aircraft is turning, and the rate at which you roll out.
As a guide, use a lead point on the heading indicator equal to approximately one-