Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a steep spiral?

1. High rate of rotation.

2. Rapid loss of altitude.

3. Stalled wing.

4. Flat attitude change.

The correct answer is: Stalled wing.

A steep spiral is characterized by a high rate of rotation and a rapid loss of altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft rotates rapidly around its vertical axis while descending sharply. The combination of these factors produces a steep angle of descent combined with a high rotational speed, which can be visually alarming and difficult to control if not managed appropriately. A stalled wing, however, does not pertain to the characteristics of a steep spiral. In a steep spiral, the aircraft is maintained in a controlled flight condition, and the wings remain adequately aligned with the airflow to ensure that they are not stalling. A stall occurs when the aerodynamic forces on the wings are insufficient to keep them flying, which can lead to a loss of control. Thus, while steep spirals involve significant maneuvering, they do not inherently involve a wing stall if executed correctly. Additionally, a flat attitude change would not accurately describe a steep spiral, as the maneuver typically involves a significant change in the aircraft's flight path with respect to vertical descent and rotational movement. Overall, understanding the dynamics and characteristics of this maneuver is crucial for effective training and safety in flight operations.