In a skid, where does the slip-skid ball move and what does that indicate?

In a skid, where does the slip-skid ball move and what does that indicate?

• A. Ball moves toward the inside of the turn, indicating a slip.
• B. Ball remains centered, indicating coordination.
• C. Ball moves toward the outside of the turn, indicating a skid.
• D. Ball moves randomly with no bearing on coordination.

Answer: (C)

In a coordinated turn the ball sits centered, because the horizontal forces are balanced. In a skid, the turn rate is too great for the bank (or there’s excess rudder), and the airplane yaws with enough lateral inertia that the ball slides toward the outside of the turn. So the ball moving to the outside indicates a skid. If the ball were toward the inside, that would indicate a slip, and a centered ball means the turn is coordinated. To fix a skid, reduce the uncoordinated yaw and bring the ball back to center with proper rudder and aileron input.

In a coordinated turn the ball sits centered, because the horizontal forces are balanced. In a skid, the turn rate is too great for the bank (or there’s excess rudder), and the airplane yaws with enough lateral inertia that the ball slides toward the outside of the turn. So the ball moving to the outside indicates a skid. If the ball were toward the inside, that would indicate a slip, and a centered ball means the turn is coordinated. To fix a skid, reduce the uncoordinated yaw and bring the ball back to center with proper rudder and aileron input.