What it looks like
In a roll, one wing rises while the other drops. The nose stays roughly where it is (if no other inputs are made) and the aircraft's bank angle changes. A roll to the right raises the right wing and drops the left; the aircraft banks right.
Banking puts the aircraft in position to turn — but a bank alone doesn't produce a coordinated turn. The pilot also needs back pressure and rudder. Roll sets the direction; the rest of the inputs carry out the turn.
Quick reference
| Axis | Longitudinal (nose-to-tail) |
| Positive direction | Right wing down (right roll) |
| Control surface | Ailerons |
| Pilot input | Lateral stick or yoke movement |
| Measured in | Degrees of bank angle |
Roll ≠ turn: A banked aircraft doesn't automatically change heading — it just tilts. A coordinated turn requires roll, back pressure to maintain altitude, and rudder to keep the nose tracking the turn without skidding or slipping.