In instrument flying, a standard-rate turn is defined as turning at how many degrees per second?

In instrument flying, a standard-rate turn is defined as turning at how many degrees per second?

• A. 2 degrees per second
• B. 4 degrees per second
• C. 3 degrees per second
• D. 6 degrees per second

Answer: (C)

A standard-rate turn is defined by the rate at which you rotate: you turn at 3 degrees per second. That means a full 360-degree circle takes 2 minutes, which gives predictable timing for holds and instrument procedures. For example, a 90-degree change takes about 30 seconds, and a 180-degree change takes about 60 seconds. The bank angle needed to achieve that rate depends on airspeed, but the key point is the angular velocity: 3 degrees each second. Other rates would complete turns faster or slower and aren’t used for standard procedures.

A standard-rate turn is defined by the rate at which you rotate: you turn at 3 degrees per second. That means a full 360-degree circle takes 2 minutes, which gives predictable timing for holds and instrument procedures. For example, a 90-degree change takes about 30 seconds, and a 180-degree change takes about 60 seconds. The bank angle needed to achieve that rate depends on airspeed, but the key point is the angular velocity: 3 degrees each second. Other rates would complete turns faster or slower and aren’t used for standard procedures.