What does the miniature aircraft of the turn coordinator indicate?

The miniature aircraft symbol on the turn coordinator is designed to indicate the rate of turn. When the aircraft is pitched to one side and is turning, the miniature aircraft will bank in coordination with the actual aircraft's flight. The turn coordinator is calibrated to show a standard rate turn of 3 degrees per second, which translates to a full 360-degree turn in two minutes.

Additionally, the turn coordinator also provides a visual representation of roll rate, helping pilots understand how quickly the aircraft is rolling into a turn. This is crucial for maintaining a proper bank angle during turns, ensuring that the turn is executed safely and smoothly. Understanding how to read this instrument is essential for maintaining spatial orientation and executing aerobatic maneuvers, especially in instrument flight conditions where visual references are limited.