Coordinated flight is defined as what?

• A. Flight with autopilot engaged at all times
• B. Flight with maximum bank angle for energy
• C. Flight with no pilot input
• D. Flight with a minimum disturbance of the forces maintaining equilibrium, established via effective control use

Answer: (D)

Coordinated flight means keeping the airplane in balance across all axes by using the controls together so there’s no sideways slipping or skidding. In practice, as you roll into a turn, you apply the rudder along with the ailerons to align the aircraft’s longitudinal axis with the relative wind, countering adverse yaw and maintaining a smooth path. This minimizes disturbance to the forces that keep the airplane in equilibrium—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—so the flight feels steady and controllable.

That best description emphasizes maintaining equilibrium through effective control use. It’s not about autopilot being on, a maximum bank angle for energy, or flying without pilot input, which don’t define coordination.