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4 Answers

Clearing Turns

Asked by: 4306 views Commercial Pilot, General Aviation, Private Pilot

When I was doing my PPL, my instructor told me to clear the left wing first and then to the right.

Is there any reason that we must do the clearing turns to the left first or it is done either direction first?

 

 

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4 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Jul 31, 2016

    There is no regulation concerning clearing turns.

    However, stop and think a minute.

    The right of way rules in 91.113 state that when overtaking another aircraft, the passing aircraft shall pass the overtaken aircraft on the right. If you make your first turn to the right during clearing turns, you might be turning into the path of an overtaking aircraft. That is why I always suggested that the first turn be made to the left.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Aug 01, 2016

    I always thought it was simply because the pilot was sitting on the left so had the best view in that direction – looked out the window and not through the cockpit, past seats, passengers, and other obstructions. Just more natural.

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  3. Kris Kortokrax on Aug 01, 2016

    Unless you are flying a helicopter with the PIC seat on the right side, or a tandem seating aircraft.

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  4. sr22captain on Aug 03, 2016

    Kris – that was a great answer. I’d never thought about why the clearing turns should be to the left first. I caused me to go back and review right-of-way rules. Thank you.

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