FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsEasy
A commercial pilot applicant is performing a steep turn at a 50° bank angle. According to the Commercial Pilot ACS, what is the maximum altitude deviation allowed during the maneuver?
- A±200 feet
- B±50 feet
- C±100 feet
- D±150 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. ±100 feet
The Commercial Pilot ACS standard for steep turns requires the applicant to maintain the entry altitude within ±100 feet, maintain airspeed within ±10 knots, and roll out on the entry heading within ±10°. This tolerance reflects the precision expected at the commercial level.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ±200 feet is far beyond the acceptable performance standard.
- B. ±50 feet is tighter than the published ACS tolerance.
- D. ±150 feet is looser than what the ACS requires.
Steep Turns ACS Standards
A steep turn is a 360° turn at 50° bank (Commercial) used to teach control at high load factors; the ACS specifies precise tolerances for altitude, airspeed, and heading.
- Bank angle: 50° (Commercial), 45° (Private)
- Altitude tolerance: ±100 feet
- Airspeed tolerance: ±10 knots; roll-out heading ±10°
Memory trick: '100-10-10' — 100 feet, 10 knots, 10 degrees keeps the steep turn tight.