Yaw Damping Function: Aircraft Yaw Damper Quiz and Flashcards

What is the purpose of yaw damping on aircraft?

How many hydraulic servo-jacks are involved in actuating the rudder for yaw control?

How are the hydraulic servo-jacks for yaw control signalled?

What limits the rudder travel as a function of airspeed (CAS)?

How are yaw damper commands transmitted?

Which component delivers yaw stability augmentation orders?

In a typical aircraft, what is the purpose of the gust lock system?

Which part of the aircraft does the forward installation of the gust lock system primarily lock?

What is the main function of the aft installation in the gust lock system?

How does the forward installation's snib contribute to safety in flight?

What purpose does the aft snib serve in relation to the gust lock system?

Which system on an aircraft employs a single lever on the flight compartment centre console for operation?

Yaw Damping

Yaw damping is provided on some aircraft to improve directional stability and turn co-ordination.
The hydraulic yaw damper actuator automatically compensates for yaw caused by side air-loads by generating rudder control inputs.

Yaw Control

Yaw control is provided by a single-piece rudder actuated by three independently supplied hydraulic servo-jacks.
The servo-jacks are signalled via interconnected pedals by a single cable run up to a spring-loaded artificial feel unit connected to the trim screw-jacks.
The commands are transmitted by a single load path linkage fitted with a centring spring device.
This device holds the servo-jack inputs in the neutral position should a disconnect occur.
Rudder travel is limited as a function of air speed (CAS).
Yaw dampening is operative throughout the whole flight envelope.
Yaw damper commands are transmitted via a differential unit.
Yaw stability augmentation orders are delivered by the Flight Augmentation Computer (FAC).

Gust Lock System

The gust lock system locks the primary control surfaces in the neutral position for taxiing, parking, or mooring the aircraft.
The system consists of forward and aft installations that are electrically connected for operation by a single lever on the flight compartment centre console.
The forward installation locks the aileron and elevator surfaces.
The aft installation, which includes an electrical actuator, locks the rudder.
Each installation incorporates a weight switch controlled solenoid lock (snib).
The snib in the forward installation prevents selecting controls LOCKED in flight.
The snib in the aft installation prevents locking of the rudder if its associated gust lock actuator is subjected to spurious electrical signals.

Learn about the purpose and functioning of yaw damping systems in aircraft to improve directional stability and turn coordination. Explore how hydraulic actuators compensate for side air-loads by generating rudder control inputs.