Cessna 152 1978, Pilot Operating Handbook, Page: 35 / 192

CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY FOR TRAINING USE ONLY
MODEL 152 3-11
EXECUTING A 180° TURN IN CLOUDS
Upon inadvertently entering the clouds, an immediate plan should be made to turn back as follows:
1. Note the time of the minute hand and observe the position of the sweep second hand on the
clock.
2. When the sweep second hand indicates the nearest half-minute, initiate a standard rate left
turn, holding the turn coordinator symbolic airplane wing opposite the lower left index mark for
60 seconds. Then roll back to level flight by leveling the miniature airplane.
3. Check accuracy of the turn by observing the compass heading which should be the reciprocal of
the original heading.
4. If necessary, adjust heading primarily with skidding motions rather than rolling motions so that
the compass will read more accurately.
5. Maintain altitude and airspeed by cautious application of elevator control. Avoid over
controlling by keeping the hands off the control wheel as much as possible and steering only
with rudder.
EMERGENCY DESCENT THROUGH CLOUDS
If conditions preclude reestablishment of VFR flight by a 180° turn, a descent through a cloud deck to
VFR conditions may be appropriate. If possible, obtain radio clearance for an emergency descent
through clouds. To guard against a spiral dive, choose an easterly or westerly heading to minimize
compass card swings due to changing bank angles. In addition, keep hands off the control wheel and
steer a straight course with rudder control by monitoring the turn coordinator. Occasionally check the
compass heading and make minor corrections to hold an approximate course. Before descending into
the clouds, set up a stabilized let-down condition as follows:
1. Apply full rich mixture.
2. Use full carburetor heat.
3. Reduce power to set up a 500 to 800 ft/min rate of descent.
4. Adjust the elevator trim for a stabilized descent at 70 KIAS.
5. Keep hands off control wheel.
6. Monitor turn coordinator and make corrections by rudder alone.
7. Check trend of compass card movement and make cautious corrections with rudder to stop
turn.
8. Upon breaking out of clouds, resume normal cruising flight.
RECOVERY FROM A SPIRAL DIVE
If a spiral is encountered, proceed as follows:
1. Close the throttle.
2. Stop the turn by using coordinated aileron and rudder control to align the symbolic airplane in
the turn coordinator with the horizon reference line.
3. Cautiously apply elevator back pressure to slowly reduce the airspeed to 70 KIAS.
4. Adjust the elevator trim control to maintain a 70 KIAS glide.
5. Keep hands off the control wheel, using rudder control to hold a straight heading.