Does the turn coordinator indicate the amount of bank?

The turn coordinator is designed to indicate the rate of turn, not the specific amount of bank. It provides a visual representation of how quickly the aircraft is turning, typically measured in degrees per second. The instrument has a small airplane symbol that can be aligned with a marked reference line, allowing pilots to achieve a standard rate turn, which is a rate of approximately three degrees per second or a full 360-degree turn in two minutes.

It does not quantify the degree of bank angle directly; instead, it helps pilots manage their turns effectively and can aid in maintaining coordinated flight when combined with the use of a separate instrument, the artificial horizon, which can be influenced by the bank angle. Understanding this distinction is crucial for pilots, as relying solely on the turn coordinator for bank angle could lead to improper turn management or compromises in safety, particularly in various flight conditions.