What do turn indicators do in an aircraft?

Turn indicators are an essential instrument in an aircraft that provide information about the aircraft's orientation and the balance of aerodynamic forces during a turn. These indicators typically utilize a gyroscopic mechanism to display the rate of turn, helping pilots understand how their aircraft is turning in relation to the horizon.

When an aircraft is in a turn, there are various forces acting on it, including lift, drag, and weight. The turn indicator, often in the form of a turn coordinator or turn and bank indicator, shows whether the aircraft is executing a coordinated turn, which is important for maintaining control and ensuring that the aircraft's bank angle is appropriate for the turn.

A coordinated turn occurs when the horizontal and vertical forces are balanced, preventing excessive banking or skidding. The turn indicator aids pilots in achieving this balance by showing if the aircraft is turning efficiently or if it requires adjustment. By utilizing this information, pilots can maintain better control of the aircraft during maneuvers, significantly enhancing safety and performance.