AFOQT Practice Test

What flight maneuver maintains a constant heading and altitude?

1. Climbs

2. Turns

3. Descents

4. Straight and level flight

The correct answer is: Straight and level flight

The correct answer is straight and level flight because this maneuver involves maintaining a consistent altitude and heading, meaning the aircraft is neither climbing nor descending and is not turning. In straight and level flight, the lift generated by the wings exactly equals the weight of the aircraft, and the thrust produced by the engines matches the drag, allowing for a stable flight path. In contrast, climbs and descents involve changes in altitude, while turns change the aircraft's heading without necessarily altering altitude. Therefore, while these other maneuvers are essential for navigation and changing altitude, they do not fit the criteria of maintaining both a constant heading and altitude.