In steady asymmetric flight in a twin-engine jet transport category aircraft, the crew elect to level the wings. The position of the balance ball in this situation will be?

• A. Centred
• B. Left
• C. Right
• D. Off-center

Answer: (A)

The balance ball indicates slip or skid and is centered when the flight is coordinated with no sideslip. In steady asymmetric flight with one engine out, the crew counteracts the yaw from the unequal thrust using opposite rudder while keeping the wings level. This brings the aircraft’s flight path into alignment with the fuselage, so there’s no sideways airflow relative to the aircraft. With no sideslip, the ball stays centered. If the aircraft were slipping or skidding, the ball would deflect to the left or right.