Rate 1 Turn Calculator
Calculate Standard Rate Turn Bank Angle and Radius
Turn Performance Results
Required Bank Angle
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Turn Radius (NM)
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Turn Diameter (NM)
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Time for 360° Turn
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Understanding the Rate 1 Turn
A Rate 1 Turn, also known as a Standard Rate Turn in aviation, is defined as a turn where the aircraft changes heading at a rate of 3 degrees per second. This is a critical maneuver in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations, allowing pilots to make predictable, timed turns regardless of their speed.
The Standard Rate Formula
To achieve a Rate 1 turn, the required bank angle changes based on the aircraft's True Airspeed (TAS). A common rule of thumb used by pilots is:
Bank Angle = (TAS / 10) + 7
For example, if you are flying at 100 knots, the calculation would be (100 / 10) + 7 = 17 degrees of bank.
Key Turn Metrics
- Duration: At 3 degrees per second, a complete 360-degree circle always takes exactly 2 minutes (120 seconds). A 180-degree turn takes 1 minute.
- Radius: Unlike the time, the radius of the turn increases as speed increases. Faster aircraft require significantly more airspace to complete a Standard Rate Turn.
- IFR Significance: Holding patterns and procedure turns are typically calculated based on the Rate 1 standard to ensure obstacle clearance and traffic separation.
Standard Rate Turn Table
| TAS (kts) | Bank Angle (°) | Radius (NM) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 15° | 0.42 |
| 120 | 19° | 0.64 |
| 150 | 22° | 0.80 |
| 200 | 27° | 1.06 |