What angle of bank is commonly used during steep turns?

During steep turns, a bank angle of 45 degrees is commonly utilized. This angle strikes a balance between maintaining adequate lift and achieving a significant change in direction without compromising aircraft control. At 45 degrees of bank, the aircraft can make a tighter turn while still allowing the pilot to manage workload effectively and maintain control.

When executing a steep turn at this angle, pilots need to be aware of the increased load factor and potential stall risk, therefore increased proficiency in managing the aircraft's speed and configurations is essential. There's a considerable difference in handling and performance when compared to shallower bank angles like 30 degrees or extreme ones like 60 or 90 degrees.

30 degrees of bank would not be considered steep and would provide a gentle turn without the necessary agility required for tight maneuvering. A 60-degree bank is also often associated with high-performance maneuvers, but it can lead to significantly increased G-forces and may require more skill to maintain control safely. A 90-degree bank, while theoretically possible, would be impractical and typically not executed due to the risk of losing lift and control. Thus, 45 degrees is the conventional choice for steep turns in aviation training.