Plain English Meaning

A turn where the airplane stays at the same altitude the whole way through. The pilot rolls into a bank to change direction, but adds a little back pressure to keep the airplane from descending during the turn.

Full Definition

A turn in which the airplane changes heading while maintaining a constant altitude, achieved by banking the wings to produce a horizontal component of lift while increasing the total lift (typically through back pressure on the elevator) to offset the loss of vertical lift caused by the bank.

Context Anchor

Used when learning basic airplane control, especially while practicing turns during .