FAA Airman Certification Standards Code
PA.V.A — Steep Turns
Private Pilot Airplane · Area of Operation V: Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers · Standard: FAA-S-ACS-6C
What does ACS code PA.V.A cover?
ACS Code PA.V.A covers "Steep Turns" under Area of Operation V (Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).
Task Specification & Required References
- ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
- Area of Operation: Area V — Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers
- Task: Task A — Steep Turns
- Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Airman Certification Standards Elements
Knowledge Elements
- PA.V.A.K1: How to conduct a proper steep turn.
- PA.V.A.K2: Aerodynamics associated with steep turns, including:
- PA.V.A.K2a: a. Maintaining coordinated flight
- PA.V.A.K2b: b. Overbanking tendencies
- PA.V.A.K2c: c. Maneuvering speed, including the impact of weight changes
- PA.V.A.K2d: d. Load factor and accelerated stalls
- PA.V.A.K2e: e. Rate and radius of turn
Risk Management Elements
- PA.V.A.R1: Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- PA.V.A.R2: Collision hazards.
- PA.V.A.R3: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- PA.V.A.R4: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- PA.V.A.R5: Uncoordinated flight.
How do I study PA.V.A?
- Read each element for PA.V.A in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
- Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
- Practice with questions tagged PA.V.A, and read the explanation for every miss.
- Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.
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