As soon as you started practicing the flight maneuvers for the private pilot practical test, you learned about clearing turns. Usually, a clearing turn involves a 90-degree turn to the left followed by a 90-degree turn to the right so that you roll out on the same heading on which you started — at least you hope.
There’s no single definition of what constitutes a clearing turn, and some instructors prefer a 180-degree, 360-degree or some other type of clearing turn. The FAA doesn’t really care what type of clearing turn you perform, as long as you do something. According to the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, “It is vitally important that the applicant uses proper and effective scanning techniques to clear the area before performing maneuvers.” The PTS goes on to state, “Ineffective performance in these areas will be disqualifying.”
