AIRSAFETY EDUCATION CENTRE FOR LIGHT AIRCRAFT PILOTS
Low Level Turns

If you are one of those pilots who insists on making low level HIGH-G turns - just like the turn onto final because you misjudged and overshot the runway - then the following maybe of interest to you
 
 If you must do these turns be very careful - do not become complacent and end up being a "stall/spin" statistic
 
 The suggestion¹ when carrying out this highly dangerous manoeuvre of low level turning is:

  • Apply aileron first to roll the aircraft - DO NOT PULL "G" - prior to roll input
     
  • When the correct angle of bank is achieved stop the roll - centre the control wheel
       AND THEN pull the "G"
     
  • RELEASE "G" BEFORE applying aileron to ROLL OUT of the turn
¹ From personal observation spanning 35 years of piloting light aircraft most machines that impact the ground as a result of high vertical speed can be traced back to a problem of excessive "G-PULL" (control input) just prior to impact

Click Image to Enlarge
This military driver gets it correct
 		Five Stages
  1. Roll
  2. Stop roll
  3. Pull "G"
  4. Release "G"
  5. Roll out
Click Image to Enlarge
Left Rudder not used to lift Right Wing


Hold mouse over and click to view video pop-up
Click for VIDEO of C-17 Military Pilot "getting it wrong"

You would have been taught that there is an increased stall speed during "banking" - this is true - however if the above suggestion is used it may increase your chances of survival when operating "down low"

A Short Note
 
 All aircraft experience a lower stall speed when operating at less than one "G" compared to the normal one "G" situation where this speed is calculated
 
 Something to remember when and if you ever fly 'low and slow'
 
 Always have the aircraft in a position where less than one "G" can be applied during a turn by relaxing or moving the control wheel or stick forward to create this "G" situation of less than the normal one (or more) positive "G"
This 2017 U-tube video may help you understand the importance of RUDDER in controlled slow-and-low flight situations - click below to view

USE RUDDER ONLY FOR 'ROLL-CONTROL' IN SLOW AND-OR 'HIGH-G LOAD' FLIGHT
Good demo of rudder use rather than aileron

Video of DH-82 Aerobatics - Tiger Moths are difficult to fly well!

 First Published December 14, 1998