is established. Once the proper airspeed is attained, the pitch  should be lowered and the airplane rolled to the desired bank  angle as the reference point is reached. The steepest bank  should not exceed 60°. The gliding spiral should be a turn  of constant radius while maintaining the airplane’s position  to the reference. This can only be accomplished by proper  correction for wind drift by steepening the bank on downwind  headings and shallowing the bank on upwind headings, just  as in the maneuver, turns around a point. During the steep  spiral, the pilot must continually correct for any changes in  wind direction and velocity to maintain a constant radius. Operating the engine at idle speed for any prolonged period  during the glide may result in excessive engine cooling, spark  plug fouling, or carburetor ice. To assist in avoiding these  issues, the throttle should be periodically advanced to normal  cruise power and sustained for a few seconds. If equipped,  monitoring cylinder head temperatures provides a pilot with  additional information on engine cooling. When advancing  the throttle, the pitch attitude must be adjusted to maintain a  constant airspeed and, preferably, this should be done when  headed into the wind. The objective of the steep spiral is to provide a flight  maneuver for rapidly dissipating substantial amounts of  altitude while remaining over a selected spot. This maneuver  is especially effective for emergency descents or landings.  A steep spiral is a gliding turn where the pilot maintains  a constant radius around a surface-based reference point  while rapidly descending—similar to the turns around a  point maneuver. Sufficient altitude must be gained prior  to practicing the maneuver so that at least three 360° turns  are completed.  [Figure 9-2]  The maneuver should not be  allowed to continue below 1,500 feet above ground level  (AGL) unless an actual emergency exists. The steep spiral is initiated by properly clearing the airspace  for air traffic and hazards. In general, the throttle is closed to  idle, carburetor heat is applied if equipped, and gliding speed  Maintaining a constant airspeed throughout the maneuver  is an important skill for a pilot to develop. This is necessary  because the airspeed tends to fluctuate as the bank angle is  changed throughout the maneuver. The pilot should anticipate  pitch corrections as the bank angle is varied throughout the  Steep Spiral • Ineffective use of power • Inadequate airspeed control • Becoming disoriented • Performing by reference to the flight instrument rather  than visual references • Failure to scan for other traffic during the maneuver • Attempts to start recovery prematurely • Failure to stop the turn on designated heading Figure 9-2.  Steep spiral. 9-4