Which control surface is primarily yaw control?

• A. Elevator
• B. Aileron
• C. Flap
• D. Rudder

Answer: (D)

Yaw is the rotation of the aircraft around its vertical axis, making the nose move left or right. The primary control surface that creates this motion is the rudder, mounted on the vertical stabilizer at the tail. When you move the rudder, it deflects air to one side, generating a sideways force that yaws the aircraft toward that side.

Elevators move the nose up or down to change pitch about the lateral axis, while ailerons tilt the wings to roll the aircraft about the longitudinal axis. Flaps mainly increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing and aren’t used for primary yaw control, though they can slightly affect yaw in some configurations. In normal flight, coordinated use of rudder with ailerons helps maintain a straight path and compensate for sideslip or crosswinds.