What is the standard rate of turn in aviation?

The standard rate of turn in aviation is defined as a banked turn that allows an aircraft to make a complete 360-degree turn in two minutes, which corresponds to a turning rate of 3 degrees per second. This standard rate is important for flight safety and navigation, allowing pilots to make predictable and controlled turns, especially during instrument flight.

It is established as a widely accepted standard because it provides a balance between maneuverability and stability, ensuring that pilots can maintain awareness of their surroundings while executing turns. This rate is also critical for maintaining proper spacing in traffic patterns and for following air traffic control instructions.

In practical terms, understanding this rate helps pilots with estimating the time required to change heading and planning maneuvers while maintaining a safe altitude and airspeed.