https://www.avweb.com/insider/can-we-finally-prove-the-impossible-turn-isnt-impossible/
I have a simple rule that was pounded into my head by my old CFI and it applies to operating from an uncontrolled field. Until I'm established on the crosswind, I'll look for something soft within +/- 30 degrees of departure heading. Once on crosswind I'm at 500' AGL and the turn is only a little over 90 degrees to get back to the vicinity of the airfield. Even if I don't make the runway, there's usually cleared areas adjacent to the active runway and the promise of help nearby. The trick is to immediately lower the nose and keep the momentum and glide airspeed working for you. Also a relatively steep turn has been proven to lose less altitude, but one must avoid losing airspeed or inducing a stall-spin.
I have a simple rule that was pounded into my head by my old CFI and it applies to operating from an uncontrolled field. Until I'm established on the crosswind, I'll look for something soft within +/- 30 degrees of departure heading. Once on crosswind I'm at 500' AGL and the turn is only a little over 90 degrees to get back to the vicinity of the airfield. Even if I don't make the runway, there's usually cleared areas adjacent to the active runway and the promise of help nearby. The trick is to immediately lower the nose and keep the momentum and glide airspeed working for you. Also a relatively steep turn has been proven to lose less altitude, but one must avoid losing airspeed or inducing a stall-spin.
