Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What technique helps to regain altitude if a loss occurs during a steep turn?

1. Reduce power and increase bank

2. Increase bank and decrease pitch attitude

3. Decrease bank and add back pressure

4. Maintain the current bank angle

The correct answer is: Decrease bank and add back pressure

To regain altitude during a steep turn, it is essential to manage the aircraft's pitch attitude effectively. Decreasing the bank angle while adding back pressure on the controls allows the pilot to bring the nose of the aircraft up, thereby increasing the angle of attack and improving lift. This technique directly addresses the aerodynamic principles involved in flight; as the aircraft banks more steeply, some lift is converted into horizontal lift, which can lead to a loss of altitude. Therefore, reducing the bank angle mitigates this effect and stabilizes the flight path. By adding back pressure, the pilot ensures that the wings maintain sufficient lift to counteract gravity. This action is crucial, especially if the aircraft has already experienced a loss of altitude due to a high bank angle and insufficient pitch attitude during the turn. Ultimately, this technique effectively allows the aircraft to climb back to the desired altitude while maintaining control and ensuring safety during the maneuver.