Figure 8: S-1 Pattern

Constant Airspeed Climbs and Descents

Instrument Flight

“S” PATTERNS

The “S” patterns are scan builders that increase your skills in transitioning into and maintaining a rate of

descent and climb. Additionally, the S-3 requires you to perform a 1/2 SRT while climbing and

descending.

S-1 PATTERN

The S-1 pattern consists of a 1,000-fpm descent for 1,000 ft followed by a 1,000-fpm climb for 1,000 ft

(each maneuver lasting 1 minute in duration). This descent/climb sequence is performed a minimum of

two times (Figure 8). Fly the entire maneuver on a constant heading and at a constant airspeed of 200

KIAS.

Initiate the maneuver at an airspeed of 200 KIAS by reducing power to approximately 700 pph and

lowering the nose approximately 1-2 degrees, 3 seconds before the second hand reaches the 12 o’clock

position on the clock. Descend at 1,000 fpm for 1,000 ft and then climb at 1,000 fpm for 1,000 ft. In order

to transition from descent to climb and back to descent at the proper altitudes, start your transition 100 ft

or 3 seconds (whichever occurs first) prior to the end of a climb or descent.

Transition

1. Reduce RPM

1. Reduce RPM to

2. Lower nose

level flight setting

3. Maintain 200 KIAS

2. Lower nose to

level flight

12

Constant heading

200 KIAS

900 ft

3 sec

1000 ft

12

100 ft

100 ft or 3 sec prior to the 12

1. Throttle to climb

power

2. Raise nose

3. Maintain 200 KIAS

Transition

Figure 8: S-1 PATTERN

To maintain the climb/descent timed rate and airspeed, you will have to vary the pitch and power setting.

Avoid making large power and pitch corrections by cross-checking the VSI and keeping the vertical speed

within +/- 300 fpm of your target rate. You use power to control the rate of climb/descent and pitch to

control airspeed. When you reach the lead point for a climb or descent, set the throttle to the appropriate

power setting and begin to rotate the nose smoothly to the new pitch angle. During climbs and descents,

check the clock against the altitude to ensure that your altitude has changed by 250 ft every 15 seconds.

During climbs, the altitude trend indicator wiper blade and second hand should mirror each other.

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