What is considered a steep turn in instrument flying?

• A. Any turn steeper than standard rate
• B. Any turn with bank over 60 degrees
• C. A turn with significant pitch
• D. A shallow turn

Answer: (A)

In instrument flying, a steep turn is defined by how quickly you’re turning rather than how you’re banked. A standard-rate turn is 3 degrees per second, which means a 360-degree turn takes about two minutes. Any turn that exceeds that rate is considered steep. This distinction matters because steeper turns demand more precise timing and coordination, and they increase load factor and the potential for altitude change or loss if not managed with proper pitch, power, and configuration. The other descriptors—bank amount, significant pitch, or a shallow turn—don’t define a steep turn by itself, so they don’t match the standard definition.