Definition
The two reference indices on the face of a turn-and-slip indicator, positioned on either side of the center mark, that the turn needle aligns with to indicate a standard-rate turn (3° per second). Their outline — a small rectangle topped with a peaked roof — resembles a child's drawing of a doghouse, giving them their informal name.
Plain English
The two little house-shaped markings on the turn indicator. When the turn needle points at one of them, you are turning at the standard rate of 3 degrees per second, which completes a full 360° turn in two minutes.
Context Anchor
Seen on the turn-and-slip indicator during instrument flying, especially when holding a steady left or right turn by reference to instruments.
Derivation
Called 'doghouse-shaped' because the outline of each mark — a rectangle with a triangular peak on top — looks like a simple drawing of a doghouse. The name is informal pilot shorthand, not an official term.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining a standard rate turn using these marks ensures proper timing during instrument approaches and holding patterns.
Intuition Check
These marks are not warnings and they do not show whether the airplane is slipping or skidding. They are reference marks for turn rate on the turn-and-slip indicator.
Example Sentence 1
Entering the hold, the pilot rolled into a left turn until the turn needle was centered on the left doghouse, establishing a standard-rate turn.
Example Sentence 2
During the holding pattern entry, the doghouse-shaped marks helped maintain consistent timing.