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Old 09-03-2007 | 10:25 AM
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sigep_nm
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Originally Posted by SongMan
-What is the normal procedure as far as the altitude when turning cross wind? Of course it depends on TPA and other factors. But I'm asking standard procedure. Is it 300feet below TPA or...what do you guys use?


Thanks!
Depends on what AND where I am flying. If I am flying a twin or at a controlled airport I turn crosswind when either directed or 300' below TPA which ever comes first. At an uncontrolled field in a single engine I turn at a visually safe altitude but never lower than 400' AGL. Reason being that if I were to lose an engine at some point on the crosswind I am already going back towards the airport and it would require less of a turn to go back to the runway. Basic rule of thumb is to never attempt a turn back the runway if you lose an engine on upwind due to it requiring more than 180 degrees of turn (see stall spin) However on a crosswind leg there is less of a turn required to get back, that being said though it would still take thorough planning and excellent airmanship to return. I hope this was the kind of reasoning that you were looking for.
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