Definition
In a turn, the wing on the outer side of the curved flight path — the wing farther from the center of the turn. Because it travels along a larger arc than the inside wing, it moves through the air faster and produces more lift during the turn.
Plain English
When an airplane is turning, one wing is on the inside of the curve and the other is on the outside. The outside wing is the one farther from the center of the turn. It travels a longer path, so it moves faster through the air than the inside wing.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of turns, turn radius, and why the two wings do not move through the air at exactly the same speed during a turn.
Why Pilots Care
The speed difference between the inside and outside wings is a basic factor in calculating turn radius and understanding how the airplane actually changes direction.
Analogy
Think of two runners on a curved track. The runner in the outer lane has to cover more distance in the same time, so they move faster. The outside wing is the outer-lane runner.
Grounding Statement
Picture a left turn: the left wing is closer to the center of the turn, and the right wing sweeps around the wider path.
Intuition Check
Outside does not mean the outer surface of the wing here. It means the wing on the outside of the airplane's curved path through the turn.
Example Sentence 1
In a left turn, the right wing is the outside wing and travels a longer arc than the left.
Example Sentence 2
Because the outside wing moves faster, it produces slightly more lift, which the pilot counters with coordinated rudder and aileron.