How to use this calculator
- Enter airspeed. Use true airspeed for the still-air geometry.
- Enter bank angle. Use the bank angle of the coordinated level turn.
- Read radius. Review turn radius and one-turn distance.
- Check rate and g. Compare turn rate and load factor with the intended maneuver.
How it works
The calculator uses R = V^2 / (g x tan(phi)) and omega = g x tan(phi) / V. Load factor is still 1 / cos(phi).
Pair it with load factor, maneuvering speed and crosswind component.
Worked example
Verified against the live calculator
At 90 kt true airspeed and 30 degrees of bank, the still-air turn radius is about 1,240 ft and the turn rate is about 7 degrees per second.
Frequently asked questions
What speed should I use for turn radius?
Use true airspeed for the turn-radius formula. Wind changes the ground track, not the still-air path radius around the aircraft.
What formula does this use?
It uses R = V^2 / (g x tan(bank angle)) and turn rate = g x tan(bank angle) / V.
Does this calculate a standard-rate turn?
It returns turn rate in degrees per second, so you can compare it with a 3 deg/s standard-rate target.
Does this include wind drift?
No. This is a still-air coordinated-turn geometry calculation.
Method & assumptions
- Assumes coordinated, level, constant-speed flight.
- Does not include wind drift, roll-in/roll-out, climb/descent, terrain, traffic separation or aircraft limits.