Why Are Airplane Clearing Turns Always Made to the Left?

It’s vital to understand safety procedures and overtaking traffic rules that govern this essential flight training maneuver.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, September 02, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Performing proper clearing turns before any maneuver ensures an open path and keeps you safe from nearby traffic. [Credit: FLYING Archive]

Key Takeaways:

Clearing turns are typically initiated to the left because, in theory, this offers a better chance to avoid potential overtaking traffic, which is expected to pass on the right side.
While a 360-degree turn is a common method, some instructors prefer two 180-degree turns (first to the left then to the right) to clear the area before a maneuver.
The most crucial element of a clearing turn is actively looking outside the aircraft to visually ensure the area is clear, following a three-part process of "look, clear, turn," and being ready to break off maneuvers for safety.

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Question: I have just started my flight training, and I have learned how to do a clearing turn. It makes sense to me to look around before you do a maneuver, but why is it always to the left? My CFI has me doing a 360-degree turn. I asked my CFI, and he said that’s how he learned it, so that’s how he’s teaching me. Is there more to it than that?

Answer: I am sure your CFI did learn to make the clearing turn to the left. The 360-degree turn is a good choice, and there are also instructors who use two 180-degree turns—first to the left then to the right to clear the area before a maneuver is attempted.