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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
your VVI as a lead point to begin adding power. For example, if you have a 500 fpm
rate of descent, begin adding power about 50 feet above the desired altitude.
4.3.4.9. Level Off Lead Point. When the proper altitude for starting the level off is
reached, apply power to the predetermined power setting and check the vertical speed
to determine if level flight has been established. Check altimeter and airspeed to
ensure the proper airspeed and altitude are being maintained.
4.3.5. Turns.
4.3.5.1. Climbing Turns. A climbing turn is a combination of a climb and a turn as
previously discussed. For practice, a climbing turn consists of a climb of 500 feet and
a turn of 180° in 60 seconds. In this maneuver the rate of climb and the rate of turn
are both checked against time. The climbing turn is generally performed at normal
cruise and requires a very rapid crosscheck for precise execution.
4.3.5.1.1. Climbing Turn Technique. The climbing turn (Figure 4.10) is started
as the second hand of the clock passes the 3-, 6-, 9-, or 12-o'clock positions. As
the power is applied to the predetermined setting, torque corrections should be
made with pedals to maintain trim. The initial bank should be established with
reference to the attitude indicator. To maintain the rate of turn, minor bank
corrections are made with reference to the turn-and-slip indicator. During the
climbing turn, the rate of turn and airspeed are maintained with cyclic control; the
rate of climb, with power; and trim, with pedals. After 30 seconds, the aircraft
will have turned approximately 90° and climbed approximately 250 feet. If the
instruments indicate other than the desired readings, adjust the rate of climb
and/or turn to achieve the desired performance. Make another check after 45
seconds have elapsed and adjust the aircraft's performance again, if necessary.
Normally, the recovery should be started as the second hand reaches the original
starting position (60 seconds). However, regardless of the time factor, a recovery
should be made when the desired heading and altitude have been reached.