The FAA's Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) "steep spiral" maneuver is designed to teach airspeed control, wind-drift control, planning, orientation and division of attention. The steep spiral provides a procedure for dissipating altitude over a selected spot for landing, especially for emergency forced landings.rnThe PTS calls for the maneuver to be flown at a "constant airspeed," plus no more than 10 knots, but does not stipulate the speed. Most instructors and examiners look for the airplane's best glide speed because it is defined and deemed appropriate for an engine-out maneuver.
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