What does the term "adverse yaw" describe?

The term "adverse yaw" describes the tendency of an aircraft to yaw opposite to the direction of turn. This phenomenon occurs during a coordinated turn when one wing is generating more lift than the other, leading to a difference in drag between the two wings.

When a pilot initiates a turn, the ailerons are used to roll the aircraft in the desired direction. However, as the aileron on the wing being raised (the one turning in the desired direction) creates more lift, it also increases drag on that wing. Conversely, the aileron on the opposite wing (the one being lowered) decreases lift and drag. Consequently, the increased drag on the rising wing causes the aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction of the turn, which is what is referred to as adverse yaw.

Understanding adverse yaw is crucial for pilots, as it helps them manage and correct while performing turns, particularly to maintain aircraft control and ensure a smooth flight path. For instance, using coordinated rudder input can help counteract this effect, allowing for smoother turning maneuvers.