SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-steep-turn-overbanking
In a steep turn, what does the airplane tend to do if the pilot holds no aileron pressure?
It keeps rolling into a steeper bank, the overbanking tendency.
- Keep rolling into a steeper bank ✔
- Roll back toward wings level
- Hold the bank angle steady by itself
Why: At shallow banks most airplanes are stable or neutral in roll. In a steep bank, the airplane keeps rolling toward the low wing, so the pilot must hold a little opposite aileron.
Huh, didn't know that: The FAA defines steep turns for training as bank angles between 45 and 60 degrees.
Why do steep turns make pilots so honest? They can't help leaning into it.
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References
Answer: Keep rolling into a steeper bank. At shallow banks most airplanes are stable or neutral in roll. In a steep bank, the airplane keeps rolling toward the low wing, so the pilot must hold a little opposite aileron.
- Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 10 Performance Maneuvers www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/11_afh_ch10.pdf
as bank angles steepen, the airplane will continue rolling in the direction of the bank unless deliberate and opposite aileron pressure is held.
Checked 2026-10-09.
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