In a level coordinated turn, the lift vector tilts, reducing the vertical component relative to total lift.

• A. Vertical component becomes greater
• B. Vertical component becomes equal
• C. Vertical component is reduced relative to total lift
• D. Vertical component equals thrust

Answer: (C)

In a level coordinated turn the lift vector tilts as you bank, so only part of the lift points upward to counteract gravity. The vertical component of lift is L cos(phi), where phi is the bank angle. When phi is greater than zero, cos(phi) is less than 1, so that vertical component becomes smaller than the total lift. To keep the aircraft from climbing or descending, the total lift must increase so that L cos(phi) equals weight, while the remaining lift, L sin(phi), provides the horizontal force needed to turn. So the vertical component is reduced relative to the total lift in a banked level turn.