What type of movement does the turn coordinator indicate?

The turn coordinator is specifically designed to indicate the rate of turn and the coordination of the aircraft during a turn, primarily focusing on yaw and roll movements. When an aircraft maneuvers in a turn, it experiences a change in its yaw (the left or right movement of the nose) and roll (the tilting of the wings). The turn coordinator provides visual cues for the pilot to maintain a coordinated turn, ensuring that the aircraft is not skidding or slipping.

The rate of turn displayed is typically in degrees per second, allowing pilots to achieve standard turns efficiently. It also plays a critical role in preventing uncoordinated flight, which can lead to adverse effects such as increased drag and the potential for stalling.

Understanding the turn coordinator's function helps pilots to maintain control and ensure safety during maneuvers. In contrast, options referring to pitch pertain to the aircraft's nose moving up or down, while terms like "hammerhead" and "stall" focus on specific flight maneuvers or conditions that are not indicated by a turn coordinator.