Definition
The compass heading on which a steep turn is to be ended, typically the same heading on which the maneuver was begun. The pilot selects this heading before starting the turn and uses it as the rollout reference to complete the maneuver on the intended course.
Plain English
The heading you plan to be on when you finish the turn. You pick it before you start, then roll out of the turn so the airplane ends up pointing that way.
Context Anchor
Used during steep-turn practice before entering the maneuver, so the pilot knows where the turn should end.
Derivation
From 'terminate,' meaning to bring to an end. The terminating heading is simply the heading at which the maneuver terminates.
Why Pilots Care
Precise rollout on the terminating heading builds accurate heading control and coordination needed for instrument procedures and traffic patterns.
Intuition Check
A terminating heading is not necessarily the exact heading where you start rolling the wings level. In a real turn, you usually begin the rollout slightly before it so the airplane finishes on the intended heading.
Example Sentence 1
Before entering the steep turn, the student noted a terminating heading of 360 degrees and began the rollout about 10 degrees prior to reaching it.
Example Sentence 2
Rolling out early caused the airplane to undershoot the terminating heading by fifteen degrees.