angle of bank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “angle of bank” mean?
The angle between an aircraft's lateral axis and the horizontal plane during a turn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The angle between an aircraft's lateral axis and the horizontal plane during a turn.
In aviation, the degree to which an aircraft is tilted sideways from its longitudinal axis while maneuvering, measured in degrees. It is a critical parameter for coordinated flight and turn performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both UK and US aviation English use the term identically.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in UK and US aviation contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “angle of bank” in a Sentence
The pilot increased the angle of bank.Maintain a 25-degree angle of bank.The angle of bank was too steep for the conditions.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angle of bank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pilot will angle the bank appropriately for the turn.
American English
- The pilot will bank the aircraft at a specific angle.
adverb
British English
- The aircraft turned bank-angledly through the cloud.
American English
- The plane rolled bank-steeply into the maneuver.
adjective
British English
- The angle-of-bank indicator is a primary flight instrument.
American English
- The bank-angle warning system activated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in aviation business contexts discussing flight operations or safety.
Academic
Used in aeronautical engineering, physics, and flight training textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of pilots or aviation enthusiasts.
Technical
Core term in aviation, flight manuals, air traffic control communication, and simulator training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angle of bank”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angle of bank”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angle of bank”
- Saying 'bank angle' is acceptable, but 'angle of bank' is the more formal, canonical form. Confusing it with 'angle of attack' (a different aerodynamic concept).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonymous terms in aviation, though 'angle of bank' is often considered the more formal or traditional phrasing.
It is crucial for flight safety. Too steep an angle of bank at low speed can cause a stall, while too shallow an angle may result in an uncoordinated or inefficient turn.
Not in the same technical sense. While a car tilts (body roll) during a turn, the term is specific to aviation. The analogous concept for roads is 'banking' or 'superelevation' of the road surface itself.
It is measured in degrees using an instrument called an inclinometer or turn coordinator, often integrated into the aircraft's attitude indicator.
The angle between an aircraft's lateral axis and the horizontal plane during a turn.
Angle of bank is usually technical/professional in register.
Angle of bank: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡl əv bæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡəl əv bæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a purely technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a plane turning like a bicycle leaning into a corner. The 'angle of bank' is how much it's leaning over.
Conceptual Metaphor
AIRCRAFT TURNING IS LEANING/BANKING (like a cyclist).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'angle of bank' primarily refer to?