During a 180° coordinated steep turn, when the airplane is rolled out to straight-and-level flight, the attitude indicator will indicate which combination?

During a 180° coordinated steep turn, when the airplane is rolled out to straight-and-level flight, the attitude indicator will indicate which combination?

• A. Straight-and-level flight.
• B. Turn to the opposite direction with a slight climb.
• C. Turn in the same direction with a level pitch.
• D. Turn to the opposite direction with a descent.

Answer: (B)

When you roll out of a 180° coordinated steep turn, the attitude indicator momentarily shows a turn in the opposite direction with a slight climb because the gyro-based instrument must re-reference the aircraft’s new, straight-and-level attitude. As the roll rate reverses and the wings come level, the indicator’s horizon lags and precesses, so the miniature aircraft momentarily appears to turn the other way. At the same time, the aircraft’s nose tends to rise slightly as you re-establish straight-and-level flight and altitude, producing the brief indication of a climb. This is a transient instrument artifact; once the attitude stabilizes, the horizon and turn cues align with the actual straight-and-level flight.

When you roll out of a 180° coordinated steep turn, the attitude indicator momentarily shows a turn in the opposite direction with a slight climb because the gyro-based instrument must re-reference the aircraft’s new, straight-and-level attitude. As the roll rate reverses and the wings come level, the indicator’s horizon lags and precesses, so the miniature aircraft momentarily appears to turn the other way. At the same time, the aircraft’s nose tends to rise slightly as you re-establish straight-and-level flight and altitude, producing the brief indication of a climb. This is a transient instrument artifact; once the attitude stabilizes, the horizon and turn cues align with the actual straight-and-level flight.