Aviation Standard Test Battery-E (ASTB E) Practice Test

What characteristic describes a straight-and-level flight?

1. Constant speed with no change in altitude

2. Continuous ascent without any turn

3. A descent with a controlled angle

4. Changing flight paths during maneuvering

The correct answer is: Constant speed with no change in altitude

A characteristic that describes straight-and-level flight is maintaining a constant speed with no change in altitude. This flight condition is achieved when the aircraft’s vertical and horizontal speeds are balanced, which means the forces acting upon the airplane—thrust, drag, lift, and weight—are in equilibrium. In this scenario, the aircraft is flying horizontally at a consistent altitude where the lift generated exactly equals the weight of the aircraft and the thrust produced matches the drag. This balance allows for a stable flight path, free of climbs or descents. Maintaining straight and level flight is essential for pilots as it represents a fundamental flying skill and is often used as a reference point for pilot training and performance assessment.