Definition
The speed at which an airplane rotates about its longitudinal axis, expressed as the number of degrees of bank change per second.
Plain English
How quickly the airplane rolls into or out of a bank — how fast the wings tilt from one angle to another.
Context Anchor
Used in maneuver training, especially during a lazy eight, where the pilot must smoothly increase and decrease bank instead of rolling abruptly.
Derivation
Rate means a measured amount of change over time. Roll, in aircraft control, means rotation around the airplane’s nose-to-tail line. Together, rate of roll means how fast that rolling motion is happening.
Why Pilots Care
Controls the timing and smoothness of roll entries and recoveries, directly affecting coordination and precision in maneuvers.
Intuition Check
Do not read roll here as simply “turn.” An airplane can be rolling into a bank while the actual turn is still developing; rate of roll is about how fast the bank angle is changing.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane approached the 90-degree point of the lazy eight, the pilot reduced the rate of roll to keep the maneuver smooth.
Example Sentence 2
A slower rate of roll during the lazy eight helps maintain coordination with rudder and pitch inputs.