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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-turn-coordinator-limits

What does a turn coordinator not show precisely?

It does not show a specific bank angle.

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  1. A specific bank angle ✔
  2. Turn direction
  3. Rate of turn

Why: The turn coordinator shows the direction and rate of turn. Its miniature airplane reacts to roll, but it is not a bank-angle gauge.

Huh, didn't know that: Its canted gyro senses both rate of roll and rate of turn.

The dad joke
The turn coordinator gives rates, but it refuses to bank numbers.
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References

Answer: A specific bank angle. The turn coordinator shows the direction and rate of turn. Its miniature airplane reacts to roll, but it is not a bank-angle gauge.

  1. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 8 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/10_phak_ch8.pdf
    The turn coordinator indicates only the rate and direction of turn; it does not display a specific angle of bank.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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