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o Check accuracy of the turn by observing the compass heading which should be
reciprocal of the original
o If necessary, adjust heading primarily with skidding motions rather than rolling motions
so compass is more accurate
o Maintain altitude and airspeed by cautious application of elevator control. Avoid over
controlling by keeping the hands off the control wheel as much as possible and steering
only with rudder
Emergency Descent Through Clouds
If can’t establish VFR by a 180° turn, a descent through a cloud deck to VFR conditions may be
appropriate
If possible, obtain radio clearance for an emergency descent through clouds
To guard against a spiral dive, choose an easterly or westerly heading to minimize compass card
swings due to changing bank angles
In addition, keep hands off the control wheel and steer a straight course with rudder control by
monitoring the turn coordinator
Occasionally check the compass heading and make minor corrections to hold approximate course
Before descending into clouds, set up a stabilized letdown condition as follows
1. Apply full rich mixture
2. Reduce power to set up a 500-800 FPM rate of descent
3. Adjust the elevator trim and rudder trim for a stabilized descent at 80 KIAS
4. Keep hands off the control wheel
5. Monitor turn coordinator and make corrections by rudder alone
6. Adjust rudder trim to relieve unbalanced rudder force, if present
7. Check trend of compass card movement and make cautious corrections with rudder to stop
the turn
8. Upon breaking out of clouds, resume normal cruising flight
Recovery from Spiral Dive in the Clouds
If a spiral is encountered in the clouds, proceed as follows
1. Retard throttle to idle position
2. Stop the turn by using coordinated aileron and rudder control to align the symbolic airplane in the
turn coordinator with the horizon reference line
3. Cautiously apply elevator back pressure to slowly reduce the airspeed to 80 KIAS
4. Adjust the elevator trim control to maintain an 80 KIAS glide
5. Keep hands off the control wheel, using rudder control to hold a straight heading
6. Clear engine occasionally, but avoid using enough power to disturb the trimmed glide
7. Upon breaking out of the clouds, resume normal cruising flight
Inadvertent Flight into Icing Conditions
Flight into icing conditions is PROHIBITED and extremely dangerous.
These conditions can best be avoided by handled using the checklist procedure
Best procedure, is to turn back or change altitude to escape icing conditions
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