Which term refers to stability about the vertical axis?

Study for the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to stability about the vertical axis?

Explanation:
Directional stability is stability about the vertical axis, i.e., yaw stability. It describes the aircraft’s tendency to resist sideslip or to return to nose-aligned flight after a yaw disturbance, thanks largely to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Dihedral affects roll stability, not yaw, while DGPS and DME are navigation aids, not stability terms.

Directional stability is stability about the vertical axis, i.e., yaw stability. It describes the aircraft’s tendency to resist sideslip or to return to nose-aligned flight after a yaw disturbance, thanks largely to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Dihedral affects roll stability, not yaw, while DGPS and DME are navigation aids, not stability terms.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy