# Yaw Control (Rudder)

> Directional control, rudder limiters, and Vmcg.

- **Subject:** 081 — Principles of Flight
- **Section:** 081-05 — Control
- **Topic code:** 081-05-03
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/principles-of-flight/control/yaw-directional-control/

---

## Rudder
The primary control surface for yaw (rotation around the vertical/normal axis).
*   **Action**: Rudder Left -> Tail moves Right -> Nose Yaws Left.
*   **Secondary Effect**: Yaw leads to Roll (due to speed difference on outer wing and dihedral effect).

## Rudder Limiter
At high speeds, full rudder deflection could cause structural failure of the vertical fin due to excessive aerodynamic loads.
*   **System**: A limiter restricts the maximum rudder deflection as airspeed (CAS) increases.
*   **Variable Stop**: The physical stop moves inward as speed increases.

## Uses of Rudder
1.  **Coordinate Turns**: Oppose adverse yaw.
2.  **Crosswind Landing**: Align the longitudinal axis with the runway (de-crab) or maintain sideslip (wing down).
3.  **Engine Failure**: Check yaw towards the dead engine.

---

Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.