Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

How should a student be taught to correct for a nose-low attitude during a steep turn?

1. Apply back elevator pressure to attain the desired pitch attitude.

2. Reduce the angle of bank, then apply back elevator pressure to attain the desired pitch attitude.

3. Apply back elevator pressure to attain the desired pitch attitude, then reduce the angle of bank.

4. Increase throttle to gain altitude.

The correct answer is: Reduce the angle of bank, then apply back elevator pressure to attain the desired pitch attitude.

To correct a nose-low attitude during a steep turn, reducing the angle of bank first helps to decrease the load factor on the wings, which can assist in regaining control of the aircraft more effectively. When the bank angle is reduced, the lift vector realigns more vertically, helping to stabilize the aircraft. After reducing the bank angle, applying back elevator pressure effectively raises the nose, allowing the pilot to attain the desired pitch attitude. This sequence ensures that the airplane does not stall or enter an excessive bank angle condition, both of which could compromise safety and control. In this scenario, other methods might be less effective or could presents additional complications. For instance, simply applying back elevator pressure without addressing the steep turn's bank can lead to an increase in altitude loss or stalling the aircraft. Increasing throttle is not advisable in this situation, as it does not address the underlying issue of pitch control and could exacerbate the nose-low attitude.