Which of the following is NOT a basic flight maneuver?

Cruise altitude verification is not considered a basic flight maneuver because it involves checking the aircraft’s altitude during flight rather than actively controlling the aircraft in a specific manner. Basic flight maneuvers typically include actions that involve changes in the aircraft's direction, altitude, or airspeed, such as stalls, turns, and climbs. Each of these maneuvers requires the pilot to actively engage with the aircraft controls to manipulate its flight path and performance.

In contrast, cruise altitude verification is a passive process that focuses on monitoring the aircraft’s position in relation to its intended altitude. It is essential for maintaining safe flight operations, but it does not involve the execution of a maneuver in the same way that the other options do. Understanding this distinction highlights the active engagement required for basic flight maneuvers, which is crucial for pilot proficiency and safety.