Definition
The altitude at which a maneuver is begun, used as the reference altitude that must be maintained throughout the maneuver and returned to upon its completion. In steep turns, the entry altitude is the altitude the pilot is expected to hold within a defined tolerance for the duration of the turn.
Plain English
The altitude you are at when you start a maneuver. You are expected to stay at that altitude during the maneuver and finish at the same altitude you started.
Context Anchor
Seen in maneuver training and instrument flying, especially when setting up and evaluating steep turns.
Why Pilots Care
Choosing the correct entry altitude keeps the maneuver safe by ensuring room to recover without descending into terrain.
Intuition Check
Do not read “entry altitude” as a special assigned altitude or a charted altitude. Here it means the altitude at which you enter, or begin, the maneuver.
Example Sentence 1
Before rolling into the steep turn, the pilot noted an entry altitude of 3,500 feet so she could return to it precisely as she rolled out.
Example Sentence 2
Confirming the entry altitude on the altimeter helps maintain consistent performance throughout the steep turn.