Which control is described as the primary yaw control in rotorcraft?

Which control is described as the primary yaw control in rotorcraft?

• A. Elevators and Stabilizers
• B. Ailerons
• C. Antitorque Pedals
• D. Rudder

Answer: (D)

Yaw in rotorcraft is controlled by the anti-torque system, which is commanded through the antitorque pedals. Pressing a pedal changes the thrust of the tail rotor (or other anti-torque device) to create a yawing moment, allowing the helicopter to rotate about its vertical axis. This is the primary way pilots achieve yaw control, counteracting the main rotor’s torque that would otherwise spin the aircraft. Elevators and stabilizers adjust pitch, lifting or lowering the nose to change the aircraft’s attitude. Ailerons control roll, tipping the aircraft side to side. The rudder, while a key yaw control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, is not the primary yaw control in rotorcraft; instead, the tail rotor’s thrust adjusted by the antitorque pedals handles yaw, with any rudder surfaces (if present) serving more for stability or supplemental control at certain speeds.

Yaw in rotorcraft is controlled by the anti-torque system, which is commanded through the antitorque pedals. Pressing a pedal changes the thrust of the tail rotor (or other anti-torque device) to create a yawing moment, allowing the helicopter to rotate about its vertical axis. This is the primary way pilots achieve yaw control, counteracting the main rotor’s torque that would otherwise spin the aircraft.

Elevators and stabilizers adjust pitch, lifting or lowering the nose to change the aircraft’s attitude. Ailerons control roll, tipping the aircraft side to side. The rudder, while a key yaw control surface on fixed-wing aircraft, is not the primary yaw control in rotorcraft; instead, the tail rotor’s thrust adjusted by the antitorque pedals handles yaw, with any rudder surfaces (if present) serving more for stability or supplemental control at certain speeds.