The torque effect tends to yaw the aircraft to the left and increases with power due to slipstream hitting the tail.

The torque effect tends to yaw the aircraft to the left and increases with power due to slipstream hitting the tail.

• A. Right
• B. Headwind
• C. Left
• D. Down

Answer: (C)

Torque from the propeller creates a yawing moment on the airframe that tends to rotate the aircraft opposite to the direction the propeller spins. In most light airplanes, the propeller turns counterclockwise when viewed from the cockpit, so the reaction yaw shows up as a left turn of the nose. As power increases, this torque grows and the slipstream around the fuselage more strongly impacts the tail, reinforcing the leftward yaw. That’s why the aircraft tends to yaw left as power rises, and you’ll often apply some right rudder to counter it. Headwind affects airspeed, not this yaw tendency, and down relates to pitch, not yaw.

Torque from the propeller creates a yawing moment on the airframe that tends to rotate the aircraft opposite to the direction the propeller spins. In most light airplanes, the propeller turns counterclockwise when viewed from the cockpit, so the reaction yaw shows up as a left turn of the nose. As power increases, this torque grows and the slipstream around the fuselage more strongly impacts the tail, reinforcing the leftward yaw. That’s why the aircraft tends to yaw left as power rises, and you’ll often apply some right rudder to counter it. Headwind affects airspeed, not this yaw tendency, and down relates to pitch, not yaw.