Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which step is NOT involved in performing a steep turn?

1. Selecting a suitable altitude

2. Clearing turns

3. Maintaining a bank of 45–60 degrees

4. Establishing a straight level flight

The correct answer is: Establishing a straight level flight

In performing a steep turn, establishing a straight level flight is not a step involved in the process because steep turns inherently alter the aircraft's attitude and are performed in a banked maneuver, rather than in a straight level configuration. The other steps, such as selecting a suitable altitude, clearing turns, and maintaining a bank of 45 to 60 degrees, are crucial for executing steep turns safely and effectively. Selecting a suitable altitude is essential to ensure that there is ample vertical clearance from the ground and any obstacles, while clearing turns help in ensuring safety by checking for traffic. Maintaining a bank of 45–60 degrees is the defining characteristic of a steep turn, which is necessary to perform the maneuver as intended. Therefore, the action of establishing a straight level flight does not apply when conducting a steep turn.