Which control surface primarily governs yaw?

Which control surface primarily governs yaw?

• A. Ailerons
• B. Rudder
• C. Elevators
• D. Flaps

Answer: (B)

Yaw is the rotation about the vertical axis that changes the aircraft’s heading. The surface that primarily governs yaw is the rudder, located on the vertical tail. When you deflect the rudder left or right, it creates a side force on the tail that pushes the aircraft’s nose in the opposite direction, producing the yaw motion you’re aiming for. Ailerons control roll about the aircraft’s longitudinal axis, tilting the wings to bank the aircraft; that influences turn direction but isn’t the primary yaw control. Elevators control pitch, lifting or lowering the nose about the lateral axis. Flaps mainly increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing, with little direct effect on yaw. So the rudder is the main surface for yaw control.

Yaw is the rotation about the vertical axis that changes the aircraft’s heading. The surface that primarily governs yaw is the rudder, located on the vertical tail. When you deflect the rudder left or right, it creates a side force on the tail that pushes the aircraft’s nose in the opposite direction, producing the yaw motion you’re aiming for. Ailerons control roll about the aircraft’s longitudinal axis, tilting the wings to bank the aircraft; that influences turn direction but isn’t the primary yaw control. Elevators control pitch, lifting or lowering the nose about the lateral axis. Flaps mainly increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing, with little direct effect on yaw. So the rudder is the main surface for yaw control.