How is yaw controlled during a turn in a multi-engine aircraft?

Prepare for the FAA Flight Controls Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

In a multi-engine aircraft, yaw control during a turn is primarily achieved by utilizing differential thrust from the engines along with coordinated rudder inputs. This method is essential due to the nature of how multi-engine aircraft respond to turns, especially when one engine is producing more thrust than the other.

When the aircraft initiates a turn, the ailerons are used to bank the aircraft; however, this banking creates a yawing moment due to the differential lift on the wings, often causing the aircraft to yaw towards the lower wing. To counteract this yawing motion, the pilot needs to apply rudder in the opposite direction to maintain a coordinated turn. Moreover, in multi-engine scenarios, if one engine is throttled back while the other is at full power, the asymmetry in thrust contributes to yawing towards the engine that is producing less thrust. Therefore, using rudder to align the nose of the aircraft with the flight path and adjusting the thrust from the engines enables better control of yaw.

This coordinated approach is crucial for maintaining stability and control, especially during various phases of flight such as takeoff, climb, and during turns. In contrast, relying on ailerons alone would not adequately address the yawing tendencies created by differing thrust levels in

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