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Feature Article: Course Reversal
The course reversal is a new addition to the Private Pilot
Practical Test standards. After the completion of a ground reference
pattern in one direction it is desirable to do the pattern in
the opposite direction. A pilot must be able to maneuver equally
well in either direction. The course reversal is the most efficient
way to do this. I have found that it is best accomplished by using
the heading indicator and some indicator for wind direction. The
course reversal can be performed at any degree of bank as long
as the bank is constant throughout the reversal. Initially we will fly upwind beyond the ground pattern for
about one minute. For instance, if we have flown a heading such
as 030 (Headings are always said as three digits.) At one minute
we will make a left/right 90- degree turn at 30 degrees of bank.
90 degrees from 030 will be either 300 to the left or 120 to the
right. At the 90 degree point reverse the bank for a turn of 270
degrees in the opposite direction. Come out of this turn when
on the downwind heading. This heading, originally to our rear,
is 210 degrees. 210 degrees will be our final downwind heading taking us into
the previous ground reference maneuver in the opposite direction.
In a no wind condition we should be tracking back over our original
route regardless of direction. If the maneuver is initiated directly
up wind then the completed course reversal should be downwind
over the reverse course. The accuracy of the reversal is directly
related to how well the headings correspond to wind direction.
All banks are at the same angle. The aircraft should now be entering downwind to the left of
the original point. Abeam the point the right turn is commenced.
If there is a wind this will be the steepest turn. For the student
the right turns are more difficult because the point must be viewed
across the cockpit. If the circle is made too small the point
becomes even more difficult to see. Since there are a number of
other figures to fly, only two or three full circles should be
flown. To change direction of turns about the point a course reversal
is required. A course reversal is a 90° constant angle
bank in one direction followed by a 270° constant angle
bank in the other. For best use of space begin the reversal about
one minute flight time upwind of the pattern.
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