PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesFLIGHT DYNAMICS
Turn radius & rate
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
The geometry of a steady coordinated turn connects speed, bank and radius.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
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Source editions
PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight ↗Edition / snapshot: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023Retrieved: 2026-09-05
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
The horizontal component of lift supplies centripetal acceleration. More speed requires more radius at the same bank angle.
02
Aircraft response
Doubling true airspeed quadruples radius at a fixed bank in this model. Increasing bank reduces radius while increasing level-turn load factor.
03
Context & interpretation
These are still-air flight-path relations; wind changes the ground track. They assume steady coordinated level flight.
Physical relationship
r = V² / (g tan φ); ω = g tan φ / Vr: radius in m; V: true airspeed in m/s; g: 9.81 m/s²; ω: radians/s.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.