Why Are Airplane Clearing Turns First 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

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Meg Godlewski

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

Key Takeaways:

The first clearing turn is typically to the left, often a 360-degree turn or the first of two 180-degree turns, as it is theorized to help avoid overtaking aircraft passing on the right.
The most critical aspect of a clearing turn is actively looking outside the aircraft to clear the area, following a three-part process of looking, clearing, and then turning.
Pilots must prioritize safety by breaking off a maneuver and taking prompt corrective action if another aircraft gets too close.

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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 the first one 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 first 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.