What is the definition of adverse yaw in aircraft flight?

Prepare for the Commercial Pilot Airplane Exam with comprehensive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Each inquiry is designed to enhance your understanding, with detailed explanations and insights. Get ready to excel in your commercial pilot career!

Adverse yaw refers to the tendency of an aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction of a turn. This phenomenon occurs primarily due to differences in lift and drag between the wings when control surfaces are deflected to initiate a turn. When the ailerons are moved to roll the aircraft, the aileron that goes down increases lift on that wing, but it also increases drag. Conversely, the aileron that goes up decreases lift and drag on that wing. The result is that the aircraft yaws toward the wing with the downward deflected aileron (the opposite direction of the intended turn). This aerodynamic effect must be managed by pilots, typically through coordinated use of the ailerons and rudder during maneuvers. Understanding adverse yaw is crucial for maintaining control during turns and ensuring smooth flight operations.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy