Definition
In a teardrop pattern, the turning point is the specific location at which the pilot begins the reversal turn that brings the aircraft back toward the original course or fix. It is defined either by time (a set number of seconds or minutes after passing the fix) or by a distance, bearing, or DME reading from a reference point.
Plain English
The spot where you start your turn back. In a teardrop, you fly outbound for a set time or distance, and the turning point is the moment you begin the curving turn that returns you to where you started.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flight pattern instructions, especially teardrop patterns, when deciding exactly when to begin the turn back toward the next leg of the pattern.
Why Pilots Care
Missing the turning point produces an incorrect intercept angle and may cause the aircraft to fly through the final approach course.
Intuition Check
A turning point does not mean a general moment when the flight “changes.” Here it means the specific planned place, time, or distance where the turn begins.
Example Sentence 1
After crossing the fix outbound, she flew the teardrop heading for one minute, then began the reversal turn at the turning point.
Example Sentence 2
Timing from the fix helps identify the correct turning point during the teardrop maneuver.