Clearing Turn Basics

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 11:08 PM ET

Verified

Tom Zwemke

Key Takeaways:

Clearing turns are critical safety maneuvers performed before other flight maneuvers to effectively scan the surrounding airspace.
While there's no single mandated type, the FAA requires effective scanning, and ineffective performance is disqualifying on the Private Pilot Practical Test.
A common technique involves a 90-degree left turn followed by a 90-degree right turn, allowing pilots to thoroughly check behind the aircraft.
It is best practice to initiate clearing turns to the left to avoid cutting off overtaking aircraft, which are expected to pass on the right.

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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.”