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S turns

Asked by: 2662 views Aerodynamics, General Aviation

S turns and other ground reference maneuvers do we set clean configuration? If so, why?

What does clean configuration mean?

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1 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    cabemonroe on May 21, 2016

    These maneuvers are performed in the “clean” configuration with the flaps and landing gear retracted. The reason for this is that the ground reference maneuvers are intended to help the pilot develop the skills to compensate for the effects of wind.
    With the airplane in a “dirty configuration” flaps and landing gear extended, the only changes in the maneuvers would be your ground speed, which would still require you compensate for the effects of the wind.
    Therefor it easier and more practical to perform the maneuvers in the “clean” configuration since the purpose of the maneuvers is correcting for wind regardless of airplane configuration.

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