6.20. Loop (Figure 6.7).

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6.20.1. Objective. Complete a 360-degree turn in the vertical with constant nose track.

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6.20.2. Description. The loop is a 360-degree turn in the vertical plane with constant heading and nose track. Because it is executed in a single plane, the elevator is the primary control surface. Ailerons and rudder are used to maintain directional control and coordinated flight. The maneuver is complete when wings are level at the horizon at approximately the entry airspeed and original heading.

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6.20.2.1. Airspeed - 230-250 KIAS.

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6.20.2.2. Power - MAX.

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6.20.2.3. Attitude - Wings level to horizon throughout maneuver.

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6.20.2.4. Altitude - Approximately 3,000 feet above entry altitude.

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6.20.2.5. FCP visual reference - Wingtips equidistant from horizon in pull-up.

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6.20.3. Procedure. Begin with briefed entry airspeed and power setting. Smoothly pull the nose up using 3-4 Gs. When the forward view of the horizon disappears in the pull-up, maintain wings level (straight pull) by keeping the wingtips equidistant from the horizon. As airspeed decreases, back stick pressure and G loading will decrease, and moderate right rudder pressure will be required to keep the aircraft coordinated. Continue to maintain aft stick deflection to maintain constant nose track. Insufficient rudder, as airspeed decreases, may allow the nose to deviate up to 30 degrees off desired track. Airspeed should be approximately 100-120 KIAS wings level inverted (over the top). Pull straight through the vertical and increase G loading to maintain a constant nose track until a level flight attitude is reached. Maintain coordinated rudder as the airspeed increases in the dive.

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6.20.4. Technique. Align the aircraft with a road or section line to provide a visual reference for a straight pull. Keep aligned with selected reference throughout the loop. If a ground reference is not available, the heading bug may be used to ensure a straight pull. Accelerate to entry airspeed with canopy bow on the horizon. Anticipate entry by nose down attitude (an attitude of 20 degrees nose low requires a 20 KIAS lead point to hit the desired target airspeed by the time the nose is back to level flight). Imagine pulling the control stick to the flightsuit “zipper” to ensure a straight aft. As the horizon disappears, use the cross-check of “wingtip, wingtip, ball” to keep the wings level and flight coordinated. Make sure the wingtips are equidistant from the horizon. Roll away from the wingtip that has the most ground above it to level the wings. As the airspeed slows, increase back stick pressure to keep constant nose track. Near the top of the loop, due to propeller effects, the nose will tend to yaw to the left, which can be detected by cross-checking the ball on the turn and slip indicator. Use the memory aid of “step on the ball” to push on the rudder coinciding with the side the ball is deflected to. Near vertical, tilt the head back and try to locate the horizon as early as possible. If the wings are not level, improper rudder application is most likely the problem. As the airspeed increases, back stick pressure may need to be released for constant nose track.

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