Definition
The speed at which an airplane rotates about its longitudinal axis, typically expressed in degrees per second. Roll rate determines how quickly the airplane banks into or out of a turn in response to aileron input.
Plain English
How fast the airplane tips its wings from level to a banked position, or from one bank angle to another.
Context Anchor
Encountered when establishing a turn, rolling out of a turn, or judging how smoothly the airplane is changing bank.
Derivation
Roll' describes rotation around the longitudinal axis (the line running nose to tail), and 'rate' means how fast something happens per unit of time. Together: how fast the airplane rolls.
Why Pilots Care
A suitable roll rate lets the pilot enter and exit turns smoothly and predictably without overcontrolling or causing passenger discomfort.
Intuition Check
Roll rate is not the same as bank angle. Bank angle is how tilted the wings are; roll rate is how fast that tilt is changing.
Example Sentence 1
She applied steady aileron pressure and noted the airplane's roll rate as it banked into the turn.
Example Sentence 2
A slower roll rate produced a gentler entry into the right turn.