Definition
A turn flown at a rate of 3 degrees per second, which completes a 360-degree turn in two minutes. On the turn coordinator or turn-and-slip indicator, this rate is shown by aligning the miniature aircraft's wing or the needle with the standard rate index mark.
Plain English
A turn that changes the aircraft's heading by 3 degrees every second, taking two minutes to go all the way around. It is the standard turn rate used in instrument flying so that turns are predictable and easy to time.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when changing headings, flying holding patterns, and practicing turns by reference to the flight instruments.
Derivation
The word 'standard' comes from Old French 'estandart', meaning a fixed reference or rallying point. Here it signals the agreed-upon reference rate that all instrument pilots and procedures are built around, so turns can be predicted and timed consistently.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a reliable way to change heading precisely without outside visual references, keeping the airplane within protected airspace and on course.
Intuition Check
“Standard” does not mean any normal-looking turn. Here, it means a specific turn rate: 3 degrees per second, or one full circle in 2 minutes.
Example Sentence 1
After being cleared to enter the hold, the pilot rolled into a standard rate turn to track inbound on the holding course.
Example Sentence 2
While in the holding pattern, the crew maintained a standard rate turn so the timing would remain accurate.