Yaw is controlled by which component of the aircraft?

Yaw, which refers to the side-to-side movement of an aircraft's nose, is primarily controlled by the rudder. The rudder is a vertical control surface located on the tail of the aircraft and is designed to manage the yaw motion by directing the airflow, allowing the pilot to steer the plane left or right. When the rudder is deflected to one side, it creates a difference in pressure between the two sides of the tail, thereby turning the aircraft in that direction.

The ailerons, on the other hand, control roll, which is the rotation about the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and is typically used in combination with yaw and pitch for coordinated flight maneuvers. The elevator is responsible for controlling the pitch, which is the up or down movement of the aircraft's nose. Lastly, the wings do not have a direct role in controlling yaw; instead, they generate lift and contribute to other flight dynamics.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific functions of each component in flight control and the mechanics involved in maneuvering an aircraft.