Definition
A flight condition in which the airplane's longitudinal axis is not aligned with the relative wind, producing sideslip. The inclinometer ball is displaced from center, indicating that the rudder and aileron inputs are not balanced for the current bank and turn rate.
Plain English
The airplane is flying slightly sideways through the air instead of straight into it. The little ball in the turn indicator slides off-center, showing the controls aren't being used together properly.
Context Anchor
Seen in slip, skid, turn coordination, and control-use discussions, especially when describing intentional slips and the slip/skid indicator.
Derivation
From 'un-' (not) plus 'coordinated' (working together). In flight, it refers to the rudder and ailerons not working together to keep the airplane aligned with its flight path.
Why Pilots Care
Uncoordinated flight increases drag and raises the risk of an unintentional stall or spin if controls are mishandled.
Intuition Check
Uncoordinated does not just mean sloppy or awkward flying. Here it means the airplane’s nose and path through the air are not lined up because the controls are not balanced.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor pointed out the ball sliding to the right and explained that the turn was uncoordinated.
Example Sentence 2
During the intentional slip the airplane stayed uncoordinated until the pilot adjusted rudder pressure to center the ball.