Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

At first glance, ailerons look like ordinary hinged panels on the wings, but don’t be fooledthey’re important for keeping an aircraft both stable and maneuverable. But theres much more to ailerons than just rolling left or right. Or how do modern airplanes reduce dangerous effects like aileron flutter or adverse yaw?

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Northstar VFR

JULY 21, 2024

These are called left turning tendencies and include P-factor, spiraling slipstream, torque, and gyroscopic precession. A pilot might have to use more aileron inputs, especially if it’s bumpy and the aircraft is getting moved around. This is especially vital during crosswind landings. Just something to be aware of!

Rudder 52

Rudder Airplanes Pilot Stability 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

The complication with helicopters is that the main rotor is driven by an engine that applies a twisting force (torque) to spin it. This is called torque reaction, and if its left unchecked, the helicopter fuselage will spin in the opposite direction of the main rotor. These rotors create equal and opposite torques that cancel out.

Lift 52

Lift Thrust Torque Aileron 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Combining the Gweduck’s advanced hull with its counter-rotating propellers means differential power allows crosswind water taxiing impossible in floatplanes along with higher hull-in-water taxiing speeds. “We Another advantage of the counter-rotating props is the elimination of torque roll. A not so obvious advantage is taxiing.

Airplanes 81

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 81