Turn

Definition of Turn in Aviation

Turn is a crucial flight maneuver that involves a change in the aircraft’s direction of flight. It is achieved by banking the plane, rolling it to the left or right, and modifying the lift vector. The primary purpose of turning is to alter the course of the aircraft and move it towards a new destination or change its flight path.

In aviation, there are different types of turns, such as standard rate turn, steep turn, and climbing turn. A standard rate turn is a turn made at a constant rate of three degrees per second, while a steep turn is a turn performed with a bank angle exceeding 45 degrees. During a climbing turn, the aircraft ascends while turning, and during a descending turn, it descends while turning.

Another meaning of turn in airline parlance is a flight that departs from and returns to the same airport or base within the same day. This allows airlines to make efficient use of their aircraft and reduce idle time, making it a valuable strategy to save transportation costs. A turnaround, as it is also known, helps airlines maximize their revenue and serve multiple destinations while optimizing their operations.

In conclusion, turn is a vital flight maneuver in aviation that enables aircraft to change course quickly and effectively. Moreover, in airline operations, it represents a beneficial strategy to optimize transportation costs and operations.