Page 22 - Dec 23

ASK THE EXPERT
Yaw Dampers ... What They’re Not
Afrustrated King Air instructor-pilot and friend asked:
Why do so many pilots think that rudder pedal and rudder trim usage are unnecessary after they turn on the yaw damper? I have observed pilots, even experienced ones that fly an entire King Air flight without ever making a rudder trim adjustment. That’s crazy! Don’t they feel that the airplane is not flying coordinated? Don’t they ever look at the ball? I think rudder usage is a rapidly dying art, dang it!
20 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
Would you please write an article that explains why a yaw damper does not eliminate rudder usage?
This is a great request, one, because I am always open to suggestions for worthwhile King Air article topics and two, because I observe the same problem myself. I have concluded that many pilots expect the yaw damp system to do more than it can.
by Tom Clements
DECEMBER 2023