The rate gyro in the turn-and-slip indicator measures which quantity?

• A. Pitch rate
• B. Bank angle
• C. Altitude rate
• D. Yaw rate

Answer: (D)

The rate gyro in the turn-and-slip indicator is tuned to sense angular velocity about the vertical axis, which is the yaw rate of the aircraft. When you start or change a turn, your heading changes, and the gyro responds to that yawing motion. The indicator then shows how fast you’re turning, i.e., the rate of turn (degrees per second or, in aviation practice, a standard-rate turn of 3 degrees per second). This instrument is not measuring how steeply you’re banked, how quickly you’re climbing or descending, or how fast altitude is changing; those readings come from other instruments.