Which surface controls yaw?

Which surface controls yaw?

• A. Ailerons
• B. Elevator
• C. Trim tab
• D. Rudder

Answer: (D)

Yaw is the rotation around the vertical axis, changing the aircraft’s heading. The surface that controls yaw is the rudder—the movable vertical tail surface. When you deflect the rudder, it pushes air to one side, creating a sideways force that yaws the nose toward that direction. The other controls have different roles: ailerons roll the aircraft by tilting the wings, and the elevator changes pitch by lifting or lowering the nose. A trim tab helps hold a steady flight without constant control input, but it doesn’t actively steer in yaw.

Yaw is the rotation around the vertical axis, changing the aircraft’s heading. The surface that controls yaw is the rudder—the movable vertical tail surface. When you deflect the rudder, it pushes air to one side, creating a sideways force that yaws the nose toward that direction. The other controls have different roles: ailerons roll the aircraft by tilting the wings, and the elevator changes pitch by lifting or lowering the nose. A trim tab helps hold a steady flight without constant control input, but it doesn’t actively steer in yaw.