Definition
Flight in which a constant heading and a constant altitude are maintained. The wings are held level (no bank) and the pitch attitude is set so the airplane neither climbs nor descends.
Plain English
Flying in a straight line at a steady height, with the wings level and the nose held so the airplane stays at the same altitude.
Context Anchor
Used early in flight training as one of the basic airplane control skills before turns, climbs, descents, and other maneuvers.
Why Pilots Care
It is the most efficient and stable flight condition used as the reference for all other maneuvers and for maintaining course during normal operations.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane moving forward along the same path while holding the same height above the ground.
Intuition Check
Straight does not mean following a road or runway line; it means the airplane is not turning. Level does not mean the nose looks flat; it means altitude is not changing.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff and climb-out, the instructor asked the student to level off at 3,500 feet and establish straight-and-level flight on a heading of 270.
Example Sentence 2
After leveling off from a climb, the pilot adjusted power and pitch to establish straight-and-level flight at cruise speed.