What type of instrument is the Turn Coordinator?

The Turn Coordinator is classified as a gyro-driven instrument. It utilizes the principles of gyroscopic motion to maintain a stable reference for pilots regarding the aircraft's rate of turn. The gyroscope in the Turn Coordinator provides indications of the aircraft's roll and yaw movements, allowing pilots to determine the rate of turn and ensure coordinated flight.

The instrument is designed to show the rate of turn in degrees per second, which is instrumental in preventing adverse yaw and maintaining an appropriate turn radius during maneuvers. The gyro’s ability to maintain its orientation in space is why it is essential for this function and provides reliable data even when the aircraft is changing its attitude.

Other types of power sources like pitot-static, vacuum, or electronic power systems are not applicable for the Turn Coordinator because they serve different functions or instruments within the cockpit. For instance, pitot-static systems are primarily used for airspeed indicators and altimeters, while vacuum-powered systems typically drive other gyroscopic instruments such as the artificial horizon. Therefore, identifying the Turn Coordinator as gyro-driven highlights its specific operational mechanism related to flight dynamics.