07 Medium, Climbing & Descending Turns

A medium turn is performed with a bank angle of approximately 30°. This briefing also covers climbing and descending turns, although these may be addressed in a separate lesson depending on instructor preference.

The turning lesson builds on previous lessons. The student will develop better attitude control and learn to coordinate rotor-disc roll and rudder smoothly and accurately. During the roll-out, the student must account for the gyroplane’s inertia and use smooth control inputs to return to the original reference point and maintain height.

In this lesson, the student will have the opportunity to practise straight-and-level flight as well as climbing and descending. The lookout technique is taught at this stage, focusing on the 20° per 2 second visual scan method.

Describe what a medium turn is and explain the meaning of the angle of bank. Clarify that a change of direction normally doesn’t require completing a full circle. However, to help prevent disorientation, a full 360° turn is flown, returning to straight-and-level flight onto the original reference point.

Objectives

• To change direction through 360° at a steady rate, using a 30° angle of bank, while maintaining a constant altitude and keeping the gyroplane in balance.
• To perform a medium turn while climbing and descending.