What angle of bank must be maintained during a steep turn?

In a steep turn, maintaining an angle of bank around 45 degrees is crucial for achieving the desired performance and maintaining control of the aircraft while executing the maneuver. This angle allows the aircraft to turn effectively while generating sufficient lift to counteract the increased load factor that occurs during the turn.

When the aircraft banks at 45 degrees, it generates approximately 1.4 times the load factor, which helps maintain controlled flight without risking a stall. At this angle, pilots can effectively manage altitude and airspeed while ensuring that the turn is conducted smoothly.

Higher angles of bank, such as 60 degrees or 90 degrees, can significantly increase the load factor, making it more challenging to maintain altitude and control the aircraft. Additionally, these steeper angles raise the risk of exceeding critical bank limits, leading potentially to adverse effects on aircraft handling and safety. Therefore, 45 degrees strikes a balance between performance and safety during steep turns.