Figure 2-3 Adverse Yaw

T-6A CONTACT

CHAPTER TWO

Adverse Yaw (Figure 2-3): Coordinated use of the rudder with the ailerons in a turn will

counteract the effects of adverse yaw. Adverse yaw occurs when the upper wing in a turn is

producing more lift, and therefore, more drag (induced drag due to lift) than the lower wing.

This will cause the nose of the aircraft to initially pull in the opposite direction of the desired

turn. An undesirable effect, adverse yaw is most apparent at low speeds and extreme control-

surface deflections. At faster airspeeds, adverse yaw becomes less apparent and may be

unnoticeable. When accomplishing slow flight, watch closely for the effects of adverse yaw in

the turn. Your instructor can share techniques on how to appropriately use the rudder while

initiating a turn to counter adverse yaw effects.

Yaw

Drag

Anti

Yaw

Adverse Yaw

Yaw

Rudder Correction

Figure 2-3 Adverse Yaw

Rudder

The rudder controls the aircraft's movement about its vertical axis. This motion is called yaw.

Like the other primary control surfaces, the rudder is a movable surface hinged to a fixed surface

in this case to the vertical stabilizer. Left and right rudder pedals control rudder movement. Its

action is much like that of the elevators, except the motion is side to side instead of up and down.

When the rudder is deflected to one side, it protrudes into the airflow, causing a horizontal force

to be exerted in the opposite direction (Figure 2-3). This pushes the tail of the aircraft in that

direction and yaws the nose in the desired direction. For example: when the rudder is deflected

to the left, it protrudes into the airflow on the left side of the tail, causing a horizontal force to be

exerted on the tail to the right. This pushes the tail of the aircraft to the right and yaws the nose

to the left.

On the ground, the T-6A rudder pedals manipulate the nose wheel steering (if engaged), which is

used to directionally control the aircraft while taxiing. Taxiing will be discussed in greater detail

in Chapter Four, Ground Operations.

THE FLIGHT CONTROLS

2-3