What do the yaw dampers do?

What do the yaw dampers do?

• A. Improve Lateral Stability
• B. Increase roll rate
• C. Reduce cabin pressurization
• D. Amplify yaw movement

Answer: (A)

Yaw dampers are stability augmentation that automatically deflect the rudder to oppose yaw motion. By sensing yaw rate and applying a small, opposite rudder input, they damp out yaw oscillations and the Dutch roll tendency, keeping the airplane’s lateral motion steadier and more predictable. This improves lateral stability and reduces pilot workload during gusts, turns, and turbulence. They don’t increase roll rate, they don’t affect cabin pressurization, and they don’t amplify yaw—they actually reduce it.

Yaw dampers are stability augmentation that automatically deflect the rudder to oppose yaw motion. By sensing yaw rate and applying a small, opposite rudder input, they damp out yaw oscillations and the Dutch roll tendency, keeping the airplane’s lateral motion steadier and more predictable. This improves lateral stability and reduces pilot workload during gusts, turns, and turbulence. They don’t increase roll rate, they don’t affect cabin pressurization, and they don’t amplify yaw—they actually reduce it.