Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

Maneuvers

Maneuvers such as turns around a point and slow flight help you perfect your control of the aircraft. Get advice on mastering ground reference maneuvers and stalls, and on understanding the aerodynamics behind it all.

Aerodynamics

Before you head out to the practice area, understand the fundamentals of what makes your airplane fly.
Essential Aerodynamics Air Safety Institute online course (login required)
The four forces
Flight controls
Flight control forces

Collision avoidance

Clearing turns, proper scan technique, and good situational awareness will help you avoid other traffic during maneuvers.
Climbs, descents, turns, and stalls
Collision Avoidance Safety Advisor (PDF)
Avoiding midair collisions

Steep turns

Steep turns demand precise flying and an understanding of aerodynamic principles such as load factor and the horizontal component of lift.
Steep turns
All types of turns

Ground reference maneuvers

Ground reference maneuvers demonstrate your understanding of wind drift and ability to divide your attention between the airplane and the ground.
Rectangular course
S-turns
Turns about a point

Slow flight, stalls, and spin awareness

Practicing slow flight will cultivate your feel for the airplane’s handling at the edge of an aerodynamic stall. You’ll then graduate to practicing your response to stalls, which happen when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and loses lift.
Slow flight
Power-on stalls
All sorts of stalls
Stalls FAQs
Stall + Yaw = Spin

You Can Fly !

Get instant access to Flight Training's special issue titled You Can Fly: Your Path to Become a Pilot.

This beginning pilots' resource guide explains what you can expect from your introductory flight through initial training— and how to turn your dream of flying into reality. Simply enter your name and email address.

Get Your Free Guide Here !



Please review AOPA’s privacy policy to learn more about how your information is used.