What is adverse yaw in aviation?

Adverse yaw refers to the phenomenon where an aircraft yaws (rotates around its vertical axis) in the opposite direction of the roll, primarily due to differences in drag between the wings. When a pilot initiates a turn, the aileron on the wing that is rising (the wing that is being lifted) deflects downward, which increases lift but also generates more induced drag on that wing. Simultaneously, the aileron on the opposite wing (the wing that is descending) deflects upward, reducing lift and associated drag.

As a result, the wing with the increased drag tends to slow down, causing the aircraft’s nose to turn in the opposite direction of the intended turn. This characteristic is particularly important for pilots to understand, as it affects the aircraft’s handling and can make turns feel less coordinated if not corrected with appropriate use of the rudder. Understanding adverse yaw is crucial for maintaining coordinated flight and effectively managing turns.