The turn from the downwind leg to the base leg should be  a uniform turn with a medium or slightly steeper bank. The  degree of bank and amount of this initial turn depends upon  the glide angle of the aircraft and the velocity of the wind.  Again, the base leg should be positioned as needed for the  altitude or wind condition. Position the base leg to conserve  or dissipate altitude to reach the desired landing spot. The  turn onto the base leg should be made at an altitude high  enough and close enough to permit the aircraft to glide  to what would normally be the base key position in a 90°  power-off approach. Although the key position is important, it must not be  overemphasized or considered as a fixed point on the ground.  Many inexperienced pilots have the false understanding of it  as a particular landmark, such as a tree, crossroad, or other  visual reference to be reached at a certain altitude. This leaves  the pilot at a total loss any time such objects are not present.  Both altitude and geographical location should be varied as  much as practical to eliminate any such conception. After  reaching the base key position, the approach and landing are  the same as in the 90° power-off approach. any point to adjust the accuracy of the flightpath. The 360°  approach is started from a position over the approach end of  the landing runway or slightly to the side of it, with the aircraft  headed in the proposed landing direction.  [Figure 11-34]  It  is usually initiated from approximately 2,000 feet or more  above the ground—where the wind may vary signifi cantly  from that at lower altitudes. This must be taken into account  when maneuvering the aircraft to a point from which a 90°  or 180° power-off approach can be completed. After the throttle is closed over the intended point of landing,  the proper glide speed should immediately be established and  a medium-banked turn made in the desired direction to arrive  at the downwind reference position opposite the intended  landing spot. The altitude at the downwind reference position  should be approximately 1,000 feet above the ground. After  reaching that point, the turn should be continued to arrive at  a base-leg key position. The angle of bank can be varied as needed throughout the  pattern to correct for wind conditions and to align the aircraft  with the final approach. The turn to final should be completed  at a minimum altitude of 300 feet above the terrain. The 360° power-off approach is one in which the aircraft  glides through a 360° change of direction to the preselected  landing spot. The entire pattern is designed to be circular  but the turn may be shallowed, steepened, or discontinued at  Common errors in the performance of power-off accuracy  approaches include: • Downwind leg too far from the runway/landing  area;  360° Power-Off Approach 36 18 Reference Position Reference Position Normal Glide Speed Close Throttle Normal Glide Speed Figure 11-34. 360° power-off approach. 11-25