Steep turns and Va?

[UndauntedFlyer]

I'm curious what CFI's teach for steep (45 or 50 degree bank) turns with regard to airspeed. The PTS says to select an airspeed not to exceed maneuvering speed (Va) and that that speed is to be held plus or minus 10K throughout the maneuver. This all sounds easy to understand. Sometimes I see applicants choose Va as their target which is OK with me. And sometimes I have students choose a speed that is at least 10K below Va for fear of exceeding Va in the maneuver. Either way is fine with me but I am just wondering what is being taught with regard to this in other areas of the USA.

 

[timeoff]

On a recent FR down here in FL, I had an instructor describe one as set power at 2200rpm and maintain 105-110kts. This was in a 172 and Va for our weight was around 97kts. Obviously outside of what the pts dictates for that manuver.

 

[gkrangers]

Va is 132 knots in the Duchess...I fly steep turns at 110 knots. Seems like a nice airspeed, and I typically prefer to fly slower in the practice area since most of the maneuvers require slower airspeeds (don't want to waste time slowing down) and don't want to cover a ton of ground (restricted area to the south)...

Other than that I don't have any real rhyme or reason to the airspeed...

I can't remember what I use in the 172, been a while.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Have you calculated it out to be sure that the folks who are doing it "10 kts below Va" aren't actually doing it at Va? I know I don't usually teach steep turns in a fully-loaded airplane flying at max gross.

 

[Catbert]

The PTS says:

Establishes the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed or if one is
not stated, a safe airspeed not to exceed VA .

(Bold is mine)

I teach mostly in the 172. The Cessna information manual we use recommends 95 kts, so that's what I have 'em use.

 

[UA-RESURRECTED]

Curious as to why this maneuver must be started at Va. No matter the speed, you shouldn't be exceeding +2G's in a steep turn, and even a normal category aircraft is rated to +3.8G's.

 

[JustFly]

Va

Please re-read Catbert's post-Va is not a "must", it is to be used only if the manufacturer does not give a recommended speed. If the POH give a speed above Va for the manuever then that is the speed to be used.

 

[FN FAL]

Please re-read Catbert's post-Va is not a "must", it is to be used only if the manufacturer does not give a recommended speed. If the POH give a speed above Va for the manuever then that is the speed to be used.

Can you cite the "must"? Not doubting you, but the citation would be nice.

 

[Ralgha]

Curious as to why this maneuver must be started at Va. No matter the speed, you shouldn't be exceeding +2G's in a steep turn, and even a normal category aircraft is rated to +3.8G's.

Well, it's not "must", but it's a good idea because students like to let the nose drop, then honk back on the yoke without reducing the bank resulting in more G's and a tighter turn with the altitude still dropping. Then they repeat until the CFI steps in.

 

[gkrangers]

Reading Catberts PTS quote, where doesit say anything about performing the maneuver at Va?

Either perform it at the manufacterers recommended airspeed, or BELOW Va.

???