1) is it *always* safe to lead turns?,
2) is it *legal*?, and
3) will it pass checkrides?


Nothing is "always" safe. However, if when you lead the turn you are within
the positional tolerance of both the initial and final courses, yes, I think
it's safe (and preferred).

I know of no rule that makes it illegal to do so

Whether it passes checkrides depends on whether the check pilot has the same
take on it.

Jose

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