SKIDS
A skid occurs when the gyroplane slides sideways away from the center of the turn. [Figure 20-9] It is caused by too much rudder pedal pressure in the direction of the turn, or by too little in the direction opposite the turn. If the gyroplane is forced to turn faster with increased pedal pressure instead of by increasing the degree of bank, it skids sideways away from the center of the turn instead of flying in its normal curved pattern.
 

 
COMMON ERRORS DURING BASIC FLIGHT MANEUVERS
1 Improper coordination of flight controls.
2 Failure to cross-check and correctly interpret outside and instrument references.
3 Using faulty trim technique.

STEEP TURNS
A steep turn is a performance maneuver used in training that consists of a turn in either direction at a bank angle of approximately 40°. The objective of performing steep turns is to develop smoothness, coordination, orientation, division of attention, and control techniques.
Prior to initiating a steep turn, or any other flight maneuver, first complete a clearing turn to check the area for traffic. To accomplish this, you may execute either one 180° turn or two 90° turns in opposite directions. Once the area has been cleared, roll the gyroplane into a 40° angle-of-bank turn while smoothly adding power and slowly moving the cyclic aft to maintain altitude. Maintain coordinated flight with proper rudder pedal pressure. Throughout the turn, cross-reference visual cues outside the gyroplane with the flight instruments, if available, to maintain a constant altitude and angle of bank. Anticipate the roll-out by leading the roll-out heading by approximately 20°. Using section lines or prominent landmarks to aid in orientation can be helpful in rolling out on the proper heading. During roll-out, gradually return the cyclic to the original position and reduce power to maintain altitude and airspeed.
COMMON ERRORS
1 Improper bank and power coordination during entry and rollout.
2 Uncoordinated use of flight controls.
3 Exceeding manufacturer’s recommended maximum bank angle.
4 Improper technique in correcting altitude deviations.
5 Loss of orientation.
6 Excessive deviation from desired heading during rollout.

GROUND REFERENCE MANEUVERS
Ground reference maneuvers are training exercises flown to help you develop a division of attention between the flight path and ground references, while controlling the gyroplane and watching for other aircraft in the vicinity. Prior to each maneuver, a clearing turn should be accomplished to ensure the practice area is free of conflicting traffic.
RECTANGULAR COURSE
The rectangular course is a training maneuver in which the ground track of the gyroplane is equidistant from all sides of a selected rectangular area on the ground. [Figure 20-10] While performing the maneuver, the altitude and airspeed should be held constant. The rectangular course helps you to develop a recognition of a drift toward or away from a line parallel to the intended ground track. This is helpful in recognizing drift toward or from an airport runway during the various legs of the airport traffic pattern.