What does the term “bank angle” refer to in terms of aircraft orientation?

The term “bank angle” specifically pertains to the angle between the aircraft's wings and the horizontal plane. It reflects how much the aircraft is tilted during a turn. When an aircraft turns, it banks to one side in order to change direction while maintaining lift. The greater the bank angle, the sharper the turn, as the aircraft must generate more lift to counteract the increased load factor that occurs during the turn. This concept is crucial for pilots to understand as it directly influences the aircraft's performance, handling, and safety during flight maneuvers.

The other options do not describe the concept of bank angle. They focus on aspects unrelated to the orientation of the wings, such as fuel consumption, altitude differences between takeoff and landing, or speed requirements for banking, which do not define what bank angle is. Understanding bank angle is vital for safe and effective aircraft operation, particularly during complex flight maneuvers.