Which description best defines a turn-and-bank indicator?

Which description best defines a turn-and-bank indicator?

• A. A gyroscopic instrument that indicates rate of turn and the coordination of the turn.
• B. A magnetic compass that shows heading changes.
• C. An instrument that measures vertical speed and altitude.
• D. An instrument that indicates airspeed and bank angle directly.

Answer: (A)

A turn-and-bank indicator is a gyroscopic instrument that shows how quickly the aircraft is turning and whether the turn is coordinated. The gyro senses yaw to display the rate of turn, and because it’s mounted to respond to roll as well, the little airplane symbol tilts as you bank, giving a sense of how the bank affects the turn. The ball in the tube (the slip/skid indicator) shows coordination: centered means the turn is coordinated with the rudder, while off-center indicates a slip or skid. This instrument doesn’t provide heading changes like a magnetic compass, nor does it measure vertical speed or altitude, and it doesn’t directly read out airspeed or bank angle. The main purpose is to communicate turn rate and turn coordination clearly.

A turn-and-bank indicator is a gyroscopic instrument that shows how quickly the aircraft is turning and whether the turn is coordinated. The gyro senses yaw to display the rate of turn, and because it’s mounted to respond to roll as well, the little airplane symbol tilts as you bank, giving a sense of how the bank affects the turn. The ball in the tube (the slip/skid indicator) shows coordination: centered means the turn is coordinated with the rudder, while off-center indicates a slip or skid. This instrument doesn’t provide heading changes like a magnetic compass, nor does it measure vertical speed or altitude, and it doesn’t directly read out airspeed or bank angle. The main purpose is to communicate turn rate and turn coordination clearly.