If you arrive at your high key position above your high key altitude, which bank angle would allow for a descent close to the airfield?

The correct choice, indicating that a 15° bank angle results in a 2,500-foot altitude loss, is accurate because it strikes a balance between maintaining a manageable descent rate and effective control over the aircraft's flight path. When you are above the high key altitude, you want to maintain a gentle bank angle that allows for a more gradual descent while still providing the necessary horizontal distance to reach the airfield. A 15° bank angle allows for a wider turn radius, which helps in maintaining a safer distance and preventing excessive altitude loss too quickly.

Additionally, the greater altitude loss associated with the 15° bank provides sufficient time to establish a stable descent to the landing area. Steeper bank angles, such as those of 30°, 45°, or 60°, lead to more rapid altitude loss and tighter turn radii, which could potentially result in not reaching the airfield or requiring immediate corrective actions to avoid overshooting the landing approach. Therefore, the bank angle of 15° is the most suitable for optimizing descent while ensuring the aircraft remains in control and positioned appropriately for the landing.