Which control surface primarily governs the yaw axis?

Which control surface primarily governs the yaw axis?

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

Answer: (A)

Yaw is the rotation of the aircraft about its vertical axis. The rudder, located on the vertical stabilizer at the tail, deflects airflow to push the tail left or right, creating a side force that rotates the aircraft around that vertical axis. That’s why the rudder is the primary control surface for yaw. Elevators move the nose up and down to control pitch, not yaw. Ailerons tilt the wings to bank and roll, affecting orientation about the longitudinal axis, not the yaw axis. Flaps change lift and drag for takeoff and landing, with little direct effect on yaw. In coordinated flight, the rudder also helps maintain balance and prevent sideslip, reinforcing its role in controlling yaw.

Yaw is the rotation of the aircraft about its vertical axis. The rudder, located on the vertical stabilizer at the tail, deflects airflow to push the tail left or right, creating a side force that rotates the aircraft around that vertical axis. That’s why the rudder is the primary control surface for yaw. Elevators move the nose up and down to control pitch, not yaw. Ailerons tilt the wings to bank and roll, affecting orientation about the longitudinal axis, not the yaw axis. Flaps change lift and drag for takeoff and landing, with little direct effect on yaw. In coordinated flight, the rudder also helps maintain balance and prevent sideslip, reinforcing its role in controlling yaw.