Instrument Pilot Course of Instruction

Steve Sconfienza, Ph.D.

Airline Transport Pilot

Flight Instructor: Airplane Single and Multiengine; Instrument Airplane

cell: 518.366.3957

e-mail: docsteve@localnet.com

This maneuver is a series of climbs and descents at definite indicated rates of climb, descent, and turn. In its simplest form, it is literally a vertical letter S, flown on a constant heading with a sequence of climbs and descents forming the S.

FAA Training Versions: Vertical S, S-1, and S-2

Manuver Overview

• Climbing or descending airspeed should be established prior to entry.
• During the reversal of vertical direction, lead the altitude by 10% of the vertical speed.
• Change the altitude 500 feet (options include 400 feet, 300 feet, then 200 feet), returning to the original altitude each time.
• Finish the maneuver by a return to the original altitude and level-off at climbing or descending airspeed (low cruise).

Performing the Vertical S

1. From an exact altitude and climbing or descending (i.e., low-cruise) airspeed, adjust power and pitch attitude to enter a climb or descent.
2. As the power is adjusted in the entry, the airspeed indicator becomes primary for pitch (i.e., maintaining a constant airspeed).
3. As the vertical speed approaches 500 feet per minute, the vertical-speed indicator becomes primary for pitch (and remains so until the reversal of the vertical direction is started).
4. As the vertical speed reaches 500 feet per minute, the airspeed indicator again becomes the primary instrument for power.
5. As the reversal of the vertical direction is started, the airspeed indicator becomes primary for pitch and remains so until the vertical speed approaches the desired rate of 500 feet per minute.

Variants

1. S-1: Same as S except
   1. Maintain a standard rate turn, reversing the direction of turn with each return to entry altitude (the maneuver is a 360 degree turn).
2. S-2: Same as S1 except
   1. Reversed the direction of the turn with each reversal of vertical direction (the maneuver becomes an S in two axes).

USAF Training Versions Vertical S-A, S-B, S-C, and S-D

Manuver Overview

• Vertical S-A:
  1. Maintain a constant heading and airspeed (about 200 knots).
  2. Enter a 1000 fpm for 1000 foot clime and then a descent to the entry altitude (or a descent and climb).
  3. Repeat as directed.
• Vertical S-B: Same as S-A except
  1. Maintain a 30 degree left or right bank (at 200 knots that is standard rate turn) [the FAA S-1].
• Vertical S-C: Same as S-B except
  1. Reverse the direction of the turn at the top of the climb
• Vertical S-D: Same as S-C except
  1. Reverse the direction of the turn with each reversal of vertical direction [the FAA S-2].

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