Definition
A standard-rate turn that takes two minutes to complete a full 360-degree circle, equating to a turn rate of 3 degrees per second. On a turn-and-slip indicator or turn coordinator, this is shown when the needle or aircraft symbol is aligned with the standard-rate index mark.
Plain English
A turn slow and steady enough that going all the way around in a full circle takes two minutes. It works out to turning three degrees every second.
Context Anchor
Seen on the face of a turn-and-slip indicator, especially during instrument flying when the pilot is using instruments instead of outside visual references.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a predictable, low-bank turn rate that keeps the aircraft coordinated and helps maintain orientation when visual references are lost.
Intuition Check
Do not read 2 MIN TURN as “any turn that happens to last two minutes.” It means a specific turn rate: fast enough to complete 360 degrees in two minutes.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor asked for a 2 min turn to the right to a heading of 180 degrees.
Example Sentence 2
During the procedure turn, a standard 2 MIN TURN reversed the heading without steep bank.