Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What should a pilot do if the aircraft starts to roll during a steep turn?

1. Reduce throttle immediately.

2. Increase bank angle.

3. Coordinate aileron and rudder inputs.

4. Level the wings without losing altitude.

The correct answer is: Coordinate aileron and rudder inputs.

The correct approach during a steep turn that results in an undesirable roll is to coordinate aileron and rudder inputs. This coordination is crucial because it helps maintain balanced flight and prevents adverse yaw, which could exacerbate the rolling motion. When a pilot uses ailerons to bank the airplane, there will be a tendency for the aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction due to differential lift; this yaw can lead to a loss of control if not corrected. By applying rudder input in the direction of the turn while simultaneously using the ailerons, the pilot can maintain the intended flight path and effectively counteract the rolling motion. Proper coordination allows the aircraft to maintain a steady turn without over-controlling or entering a potentially dangerous situation, such as a stall or spin. In steep turns, managing the aircraft's orientation and forces becomes even more critical due to higher load factors, which further attests to the importance of this coordinated control technique.