Definition
Bank angles of approximately 20 degrees or less, in which the airplane is tilted only slightly from wings-level. At these angles, the horizontal component of lift is small, producing a gentle rate of turn and minimal increase in load factor.
Plain English
A turn where the wings are tipped only a little to one side, so the airplane turns slowly and gently rather than sharply.
Context Anchor
Used when discussing climbing turns, departure turns, and other situations where the airplane needs to turn without giving up much climb performance.
Derivation
Shallow' comes from Old English meaning 'not deep.' Applied to bank, it describes a small tilt of the wings — the opposite of a steep bank.
Why Pilots Care
Shallow bank angles in a climb limit the increase in load factor and induced drag, helping the airplane maintain the required airspeed and rate of climb.
Grounding Statement
Picture one wingtip just slightly lower than the other while the airplane keeps climbing.
Intuition Check
Shallow does not mean careless or weak here; it means a small angle of tilt. Bank angle is not how sharp the turn looks from the ground; it is how far the wings are tilted from level.
Example Sentence 1
During the climbing turn, the instructor held a shallow bank angle to maintain a healthy rate of climb.
Example Sentence 2
In the traffic pattern climb, shallow bank angles kept the airplane coordinated and allowed a steady rate of climb to pattern altitude.