Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is the primary use of the rudder during a steep turn to the right?

1. Prevent yawing.

2. Control the rate of turn.

3. Hold the aircraft in the turn once it is established.

4. Increase lift during the turn.

The correct answer is: Prevent yawing.

The primary use of the rudder during a steep turn to the right is to prevent yawing, which is essential for maintaining coordinated flight. When an aircraft enters a turn, it naturally tends to yaw away from the direction of the turn due to the differential lift and drag on the wings as well as the aircraft's inherent tendency to roll. In a steep turn, the bank angle increases, amplifying these effects, which can lead to uncoordinated flight if not corrected. The rudder is used to counteract this tendency by applying pressure in the direction of the turn, ensuring that the aircraft maintains a coordinated flight path. Coordinated flight is crucial for preventing adverse yaw, which can cause the nose of the aircraft to point away from the turn, leading to a loss of control or an increase in drag. Thus, while the other options may involve aspects of flight control during a turn, preventing yawing is the primary function of the rudder in this scenario as it directly contributes to the stability and safety of the maneuver.