Definition
A standard-rate turn that completes a full 360-degree circle in two minutes, equating to a turn rate of 3 degrees per second. On a turn-and-slip indicator, this rate is shown when the needle is deflected to the standard-rate index mark (often called the 'doghouse' or second hash mark) on either side of center.
Plain English
A turn slow enough that it would take two minutes to spin the airplane all the way around once. It works out to 3 degrees of heading change every second.
Context Anchor
Seen on or near the turn-and-slip indicator when learning instrument turns and standard-rate turns.
Why Pilots Care
This specific rate produces predictable, low-bank turns that keep the aircraft coordinated and easy to control in instrument conditions.
Grounding Statement
The pilot banks just enough to keep the turn needle at the one-needle-width mark and times the heading change to confirm two minutes for a full circle.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as turning to the compass heading 360°. Here, 360° means a complete circle of heading change, and the full circle would take 2 minutes.
Example Sentence 1
After being told to turn left to a new heading 90 degrees away, the pilot established a standard-rate turn and timed it for 30 seconds, since 360° in 2 minutes works out to 90° in 30 seconds.
Example Sentence 2
With the needle held steady at the standard mark, the heading changed a full 360° in 2 minutes.