Definition
A flight condition in which the airplane is neither slipping nor skidding through the air, indicated by the ball of the inclinometer resting in the center of its tube. In this state, the rudder and aileron inputs are properly matched so that the airplane's longitudinal axis is aligned with the relative wind, and the only acceleration felt by the pilot is straight down through the seat.
Plain English
The airplane is flying cleanly through the air with no sideways slide. A small ball in a curved tube on the panel sits right in the middle when this is happening.
Context Anchor
Seen during slow flight, stalls, turns, and any maneuver where the pilot checks the ball to confirm the airplane is not slipping or skidding.
Derivation
Coordinated comes from the Latin co- (together) and ordinare (to arrange in order). In flight, it means the rudder and ailerons are working together in proper order — neither one leading nor lagging the other.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents excess drag, maintains intended flight path, and supports safe recovery from stalls or unusual attitudes.
Grounding Statement
If the ball is centered during a maneuver, the airplane is not being pushed sideways in the cockpit.
Intuition Check
Coordinated does not just mean “smooth” or “well organized” here. In this context, it means the airplane is not slipping or skidding sideways, shown by the inclinometer ball staying centered.
Example Sentence 1
Before entering the power-off stall, the instructor reminded the student to keep the airplane in coordinated flight by stepping on the rudder to keep the ball centered.
Example Sentence 2
In a standard rate turn the student maintained coordinated flight by keeping the inclinometer ball in the center.