On Anderson Cooper 360 about last night, (at least) one of their
sources pointed out that to make the tight turn to compelte the u-turn
at that altitude and turning left, a very steep bank is needed, and
that this can cause a los of altitude -- and the radar returns indicate
that 200' was lost during the turn.

I seem to recall being required, on check rides, to do two 360 degree
turns, one each way (like a figure 8), at 60 degrees of bank, without
losing (or gaining) any altitude.

vince norris