Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Which of the following situations indicates a steep spiral?

1. Stalled wing

2. Yawing motion

3. Rapid descent rate

4. High input of aileron

The correct answer is: Stalled wing

A steep spiral is characterized by a rapid descent rate coupled with a coordinated turn. It typically occurs when an aircraft is in a configuration that allows for enhanced descent while maintaining control inputs appropriate for maneuvering. When looking at a stalled wing, although a stalled condition can lead to a loss of control and might contribute to a steep spiral, it is not the defining characteristic. A steep spiral involves a controlled descent in a turning flight path, which is not the primary descriptor of a stalled wing. In contrast, a rapid descent rate is a more direct indicator of a steep spiral. This descent rate happens when the aircraft is turning, resulting in high vertical speed while maintaining a coordinated bank. Additionally, yawing motion is not a reliable measure since it may refer to other aerodynamic issues, such as insufficient airspeed or inadequate control inputs, which could lead to a stall or an uncoordinated turn without a steep spiral indication. The high input of aileron could also suggest a pilot's attempt to maintain a desired bank angle in a turn, but that alone does not qualify as the definitive sign of a steep spiral without the accompanying rapid descent rate during a coordinated maneuver. Therefore, the rapid descent rate operates as the most pertinent factor in identifying a steep