As airspeed decreases, which rudder input is typically required to maintain coordinated turn?

• A. More left rudder
• B. More right rudder
• C. No rudder input
• D. Rudder neutral

Answer: (B)

Rudder input needed for a coordinated turn changes with airspeed because yaw tendencies and rudder effectiveness vary with dynamic pressure. As speed falls, the airplane experiences stronger yawing moments from factors like P-factor and propeller slipstream, and the rudder becomes less effective. This combination means the nose tends to yaw toward the outside of the turn, so to keep the turn coordinated you typically push the rudder toward that outside of the turn—that is, you apply more right rudder. In other words, slower speeds require more opposite rudder to counter the enhanced leftward yaw and maintain a coordinated flight.