Definition
A bank angle that is held steady — neither increasing nor decreasing — throughout a portion of a maneuver. The airplane remains at a fixed angle relative to the horizon while other parameters such as pitch, airspeed, or altitude may change.
Plain English
The wings stay tilted at the same angle the whole time. You set the bank, then leave it alone while you work the pitch or power.
Context Anchor
Used in chandelle training, especially when describing the first half of the maneuver, where the airplane turns while the bank angle is held steady.
Derivation
‘Constant’ comes from the Latin constare, meaning ‘to stand firm’ or ‘stay the same.’ ‘Bank’ refers to tilting the wings. Together: the bank stays put.
Why Pilots Care
Holding the bank steady produces a predictable turn rate and allows the pilot to focus on pitch and airspeed management without introducing unwanted roll inputs.
Intuition Check
Do not read “bank” as money or the side of a river. In flying, bank means the sideways tilt of the airplane’s wings. Also, “constant” does not mean for the entire chandelle. It means steady during the portion of the maneuver being discussed.
Example Sentence 1
During the first half of the chandelle, the pilot establishes a constant bank of approximately 30 degrees and slowly raises the nose.
Example Sentence 2
If the bank is not kept constant during the initial portion of the chandelle, the turn rate becomes erratic and altitude gain suffers.