The turn-and-slip indicator is also known as which?

• A. Attitude indicator
• B. Vertical speed indicator
• C. Turn-and-bank indicator
• D. Heading indicator

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that this instrument shows how fast you’re turning and whether you’re slipping or skidding in the turn. It’s commonly called a turn-and-bank indicator because it not only indicates the turn rate but also uses the slip/skid ball to reflect lateral balance during the turn, which relates to the bank angle in a coordinated maneuver. The ball tells you if you’re coordinated (centered) or slipping/skidding, while the miniature aircraft or pointer shows the rate of turn. That combination is why pilots refer to it as the turn-and-bank indicator.

Other instruments do different jobs: the attitude indicator shows pitch and bank orientation of the horizon, the vertical speed indicator shows climb or descent rate, and the heading indicator shows your compass heading.