36 18 Normal glide speed Close throttle, retract flaps Normal glide speed Key position Key position Lower partial flaps, maintain 1.4 V$_{SO}$ Lower flaps as needed, establish 1.3V$_{SO}$ Figure 8-28.  360° power-off approach. 8-25 After the throttle is closed over the intended point of landing,  the proper glide speed is immediately established, and a  medium-banked turn made in the desired direction so as to  arrive at the downwind key position opposite the intended  landing spot. At or just beyond the downwind key position,  the landing gear is extended if the airplane is equipped with  retractable gear. The altitude at the downwind key position  should be approximately 1,000 to 1,200 feet above the ground. After reaching that point, the turn is continued to arrive at a  base-leg key position, at an altitude of about 800 feet above  the terrain. Flaps may be used at this position, as necessary,  Although the key position is important, it must not be  overemphasized nor considered as a fixed point on the  ground. Many inexperienced pilots may gain a conception  of it as a particular landmark, such as a tree, crossroad, or  other visual reference, to be reached at a certain altitude.  This misconception 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 is practical to eliminate  any such misconceptions. After reaching the base key  position, the approach and landing are the same as in the 90°  power-off approach. The turn onto the base leg is made at an altitude high enough  and close enough to permit the airplane to glide to what would  normally be the base key position in a 90° power-off approach. The turn from the downwind leg to the base leg is a uniform  turn with a medium or slightly steeper bank. The degree of  bank and amount of this initial turn depend upon the glide  angle of the airplane and the velocity of the wind. Again,  the base leg is positioned as needed for the altitude or wind  condition. Position the base leg to conserve or dissipate  altitude so as to reach the desired landing spot. 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 airplane headed in the proposed landing direction  and the landing gear and flaps retracted.  [Figure 8-28]  It  is usually initiated from approximately 2,000 feet or more  above the ground—where the wind may vary significantly  from that at lower altitudes. This must be taken into account  when maneuvering the airplane to a point from which a 90°  or 180° power-off approach can be completed. When abreast of or opposite the desired landing spot, the  throttle is closed and altitude maintained while decelerating  to the manufacturer’s recommended glide speed or 1.4 V $_{SO}$.  The point at which the throttle is closed is the downwind  key position. 360° Power-Off Approach The 360° power-off approach is one in which the airplane  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 shallow, steepened, or discontinued at  any point to adjust the accuracy of the flightpath.