Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Flight Instructor Test. Explore multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and get fully prepared for your CFI exam! Achieve success with your flight instructor exam by understanding key concepts and honing your technical skills.

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What does achieving maximum turning performance in a steep turn impose on the aircraft?

Lower load factors
High load factors
Reduced stall warning margins
Minimal aerodynamic resistance

The correct answer is: High load factors

Achieving maximum turning performance in a steep turn results in high load factors on the aircraft. When an aircraft executes a steep turn, the bank angle increases significantly. According to the principles of flight dynamics, as the bank angle increases, the load factor, which is defined as the lift being produced in relation to the weight of the aircraft, also increases to maintain level flight in the turn. In steep turns, typically greater than 45 degrees of bank, the load factor can rise significantly—sometimes doubling or more, depending on the steepness of the turn. This increase in load factor is essential for maintaining the necessary lift to counteract the increased gravitational force acting on the aircraft due to the bank angle. This high load factor leads to a greater demand on the aircraft's structure and can increase the potential for stall if the angle of attack becomes excessive or if speed decreases significantly during the maneuver. Therefore, it's crucial for pilots to be aware of the implications of high load factors on aircraft performance and safety during turns.