Question

Which control surface is mainly used to control the yaw motion of an aircraft?

• A. Aileron
• B. Elevator
• C. Rudder
• D. Flap
• E. Trim Tab

Hint:

Match the surface to the axis:
Rudder $\rightarrow$ Vertical Axis (Yaw).
Elevator $\rightarrow$ Lateral Axis (Pitch).
Aileron $\rightarrow$ Longitudinal Axis (Roll).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks which control surface is mainly used to control the yaw motion of an aircraft. Let's break down the provided options to understand which one controls yaw:

• Aileron: Ailerons are located on the trailing edge of each wing and are used primarily for controlling the roll of an aircraft. They work by increasing lift on one wing while decreasing it on the other, causing the aircraft to roll.
• Elevator: Elevators are located on the horizontal stabilizer of the tail section. Their primary function is to control the pitch motion, which means they adjust the nose-up or nose-down movement of the aircraft.
• Rudder: The rudder is located on the vertical stabilizer (or fin) of the tail section. It is the primary control surface for yaw motion, meaning it controls the left or right movement of an aircraft's nose. The rudder is deflected in the desired direction, causing the aircraft to yaw in that direction.
• Flap: Flaps are usually located along the trailing edge of the wings. They are used to increase lift during take-off and landing but do not control yaw.
• Trim Tab: Trim tabs are small surfaces connected to the trailing edge of larger control surfaces (like elevators, rudders, or ailerons). They help in reducing the workload on the pilot by allowing for minor adjustments to keep the aircraft steady but do not directly control yaw.

From the explanations above, it's clear that the Rudder is the control surface used to control the yaw motion of an aircraft.