Definition
A flight instrument that shows the rate and direction of the airplane's turn about its vertical axis (yaw), and, in combination with an inclinometer ball, whether the turn is coordinated. It typically appears as either a turn-and-slip indicator (with a needle) or a turn coordinator (with a small symbolic airplane), and is driven by a gyroscope.
Plain English
An instrument on the panel that tells the pilot which way the airplane is turning and how fast it is turning.
Context Anchor
Seen during taxi when the pilot checks that flight instruments respond correctly before takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Helps maintain coordinated turns, preventing slips or skids that can lead to loss of control.
Intuition Check
A turn indicator is not a steering guide or taxi-direction sign. It does not tell you where to go; it shows the airplane’s actual turning motion.
Example Sentence 1
While taxiing left, the pilot glanced at the turn indicator and confirmed the needle had moved to the left.
Example Sentence 2
During a standard rate turn in the traffic pattern, the pilot cross-checked the turn indicator for proper coordination.