The 55 degree steep turn is a required commercial maneuver. As you have
noted, it is harder than the 45 degree turn required of private pilots. It
must be maintained within five degrees of bank throughout the turn.

This is a *visual* maneuver. A lot of pilots try to look at the instruments
too much, especially the VSI. Nearly every student that I have seen who had
trouble with the 55 degree steep turn was looking at the VSI, but they don't
all realize that they are doing this. You would be amazed at how much better
they all do when I cover the instrument.

The best way to do this turn is to never look at the instruments at all.
Roll smoothly into a 55 degree bank and do not let the nose drop. You should
be able to see the slightest vertical movement of the nose against the
horizon. Let the horizon cut like a knife across the cowling -- don't let it
rise or fall in the least. Use whatever arm strength you have to hold it
there. When you roll out, the airplane will want to pitch up sharply. If you
have used trim to help you in the turn, be prepared for an even greater
pitch up moment. Anticipate this by gradually applying forward pressure on
the nose as you roll out. Again, watch the horizon on the cowling. Don't let
it rise or fall in the slightest.

The only instrument you want to even glance at is the attitude indicator. It
also will tell you whether the pitch is up or down, and confirm that you are
at the proper bank angle. Once you have confirmed that, don't look at it
again. It is not nearly as sensitive as watching the nose on horizon.