Designated pilot examiners (DPEs) are sometimes asked what constitutes acceptable clearing turns during checkrides. While a valid concern for any pilot applicant, the question smacks of, “What must I do to pass this checkride?” Instead, what really ought to be asked is, “What must I do as a pilot to virtually eliminate the risk of a midair collision?”
Although the practical test standards (PTS) do not refer to clearing turns as a specific task, the FAA makes it clear through its repeated references to effective collision-avoidance procedures that clearing the area before accomplishing any flight maneuver is an important part of every practical test. Note also that neither the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook nor the PTS elaborate on the specifics of how to accomplish an “acceptable” clearing turn. But make no mistake—this does not mean that effectively clearing the area and being continuously alert for traffic conflicts do not require specific actions on the part of the pilot. In fact, one of the most definitive resources on the topic of a pilot’s role in collision-avoidance procedures can be found in FAA advisory circular AC 90-48C.
Over the years, many pilots have traditionally been taught that “proper” clearing turns require a specific amount/direction of turn: a left, then right 90-degree turn; a 180-degree turn; or, “Anything other than blah-blah-blah with so-and-so, and you’ll bust your checkride!” This rigidity suggests that a clearing turn is just another one-size-fits-all flight training maneuver that must be performed to a certain specification to be considered acceptable. But if this were true, the FAA would have made those specific requirements known—loud and clear!
Rather, considering the true objective of accomplishing a clearing turn; the turn itself is not the goal but simply a means to achieve that goal. The goal: to maintain a healthy traffic vigilance and awareness condition throughout the entire flight. Applicants who make clearing the area a reflex action have already learned this valuable lesson. For example, who would ever consider crossing a busy street without first looking both ways? We look both ways without even thinking, right? Our parents taught us this essential survival skill as soon as we could walk. And with continuous practice, that good early habit became more a reflex action than a checklist item.
Contrast this with a pilot who doesn’t remember (or bother) to look in the direction of a turn before it is begun—or then, while the turn is in progress, gazes intently at the flight instruments to accomplish the “perfect” clearing turn. Or how about the pilot who, after demonstrating apparent collision-avoidance skills by performing a beautiful series of clearing turns, accomplishes the subsequent DPE-requested maneuver without once looking out the window for traffic. The point is, turns are only the tools that make viewing a larger area possible—period. Therefore, what good is doing a clearing turn if we aren’t also looking out the window while doing it?
Collision avoidance is much more than just doing a clearing turn or two. It means that the pilot is constantly aware of any traffic in the vicinity. This requires, most important, looking out the window! And depending on the maneuver you’re about to perform, maybe 30 or 40 degrees of turn (or even less) might be enough. Conversely, depending on the situation, even 180 degrees may not be enough. Through modern technology, many training aircraft these days are even equipped with some form of electronic traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) that enhances flight safety and traffic awareness even further. So if you’re lucky enough to have this valuable equipment installed, be sure to incorporate it into your routine area-clearing procedures as well.
During checkrides, examiners are required to evaluate pilot applicants accomplishing the FAA-mandated actions (clearing turns) necessary to ensure a traffic-free area prior to accomplishing any maneuvers for the test. But DPEs will shower extra praise on applicants who demonstrate strong collision-avoidance reflexes by keeping their head and eyes moving throughout the entire flight, and not just “going through the motions” of making a few clearing turns now and then. Remember that clearing the area is an ongoing process that does not stop once the so-called “clearing turn” is completed. Proper traffic vigilance begins before we crank the engine and continues until we are safely tied down at the end of every flight.
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