Definition
The two pieces of information shown by a turn coordinator: the rate at which the aircraft is rolling (banking left or right) and, once established in a bank, the rate at which it is turning. The miniature aircraft symbol tilts to show roll while the aircraft is banking, and its steady deflection during a coordinated turn shows the rate of turn.
Plain English
What the turn coordinator is telling you: how quickly the wings are tipping into or out of a bank, and how fast the aircraft is turning once the bank is set.
Context Anchor
Seen when using the turn coordinator during instrument straight-and-level flight, turn entries, and standard-rate turns.
Derivation
Indication comes from a Latin word meaning “to point out.” In aviation, an indication is what an instrument points out to the pilot. Here, the instrument points out roll motion and turning motion.
Why Pilots Care
Helps the pilot detect slips or skids and maintain coordinated flight without outside visual references.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “roll indication” means the instrument is showing exact wing angle. Here it means the instrument is showing roll motion and turn rate, not precise bank angle.
Example Sentence 1
While entering the turn, the pilot used the roll and turn indications on the turn coordinator to establish a smooth, standard-rate bank to the left.
Example Sentence 2
When the roll and turn indications stayed centered, the pilot knew the flight was coordinated.