Definition
A turn rate of 3 degrees per second, which completes a 360-degree turn in two minutes. Standard rate is the reference turn rate used in instrument flying and is indicated by the turn coordinator or turn-and-slip indicator.
Plain English
A turn that takes two minutes to go all the way around, or one minute to turn 180 degrees. It is the normal, controlled rate of turn pilots use when flying on instruments or maneuvering carefully.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of turn performance, instrument flying, and emergency turn decisions after takeoff.
Derivation
Standard means an agreed reference used for comparison. Rate means how much something changes over time. Together, standard rate means an agreed amount of turn per second.
Why Pilots Care
Provides consistent timing for turns so the pilot can predict when the new heading will be reached without relying on instruments alone.
Grounding Statement
At standard rate, the airplane’s nose moves around the horizon steadily enough to complete one full circle in two minutes.
Intuition Check
Standard rate does not mean the best or safest turn for every situation. It means a specific reference turn rate: 3 degrees per second.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot rolled into a standard rate turn to reverse course back toward the airport.
Example Sentence 2
Maintaining standard rate allowed the student to time the turn and roll out on the assigned heading.