← All explained questions · Supplemental · V — Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers
While performing turns around a point (a single fixed reference on the ground) in a steady south wind, what bank angle should you start with as you begin the turn flying directly EAST (so the wind is on your right)?
Choices
Steepest bank — you are at maximum groundspeed.
Steepest is when you're flying directly downwind (north here).
Shallowest bank — you are at minimum groundspeed.
Shallowest is when flying directly upwind (south here).
✓ Medium bank — you are between the upwind and downwind extremes.correct
Heading east with wind from south means the south wind is blowing across your track — neither pushing you forward (downwind) nor slowing you (upwind). Groundspeed is at the median value, so bank angle is medium. Maximum bank occurs when flying due north (downwind direction) with the wind directly behind, minimum bank flying due south (upwind). Bank smoothly varies through the entire 360°.
Same bank as upwind.
Upwind bank would be the shallowest, not medium.
Why
Heading east with wind from south means the south wind is blowing across your track — neither pushing you forward (downwind) nor slowing you (upwind). Groundspeed is at the median value, so bank angle is medium. Maximum bank occurs when flying due north (downwind direction) with the wind directly behind, minimum bank flying due south (upwind). Bank smoothly varies through the entire 360°.
FAA source: AFH Ch 6; AFH Chapter 6 — Ground Reference Maneuversbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.