I don't hearmuch mention of rudder control in making the landing approach. Is this because it's too much for beginners to think about at once, or something else?

and yet, sometimes I wonder. I see people who have been "flying"
for years, who never use the rudder at all. They're the ones who would rather
dig a wingtip in, or "go around", than use the rudder to line up with the runway

I'm no expert pilot by any means... but I can't stand to see someone blow
a perfect landing, by ending up in a cartwheel, or clipping the fence,
when just a little bit of rudder would have saved the day nicely.

There are obviously very many uses in "normal" and "3D" flying, as well.


The lack of it on takeoffs and landings is just a pet peeve of mine.
Especially when I see it with some of the larger planes.

The rudder is there for a reason and if you don't use then yes your landings can be rather spectacular! I use not only for take offs and landings but while I'm flying. I have heard the comment, 'I don't need no stinking rudder' and have seen a lot of planes doing the Hokey Pokey down the runway!!!!

What Art said and more! I teach rudder use as soon as the student grasps "pull" for up and left and right aileron. Normaly this is on the second or third flight. Aileron use on landing will cause the wing to dip. If you catch one (wingtip) on landing the airplane will "cartwheel" which will do more damage than one can imagine. Use of rudder will align the plane to the runway better and keep the plane flying. Rolling (aileron use) will shorten the effective wing length and make the plane dive. EXCAP232

unfortunately a very high percentage of flyers never use the rudder,it really limits them on they're level of flying skill,watching a person land or take off in a cross wind with out rudder control,is a sight to behold,look out safty fence and windsock.
Have a goodun,John

It is ALWAYS preferable to go around if you do not have a stabilized approach, rudder or no rudder. I think we all as pilots may get into the habit of trying to "make" the landing happen regardless of the quality of the approach. Pilots with lots of practice with a particular airplane may be better at it than others, but all will eventually get bitten by getting the mind set that the approach WILL culminate in a landing.

New pilots probably do have their hands full for a while just concentrating on aileron, elevator and throttle control. One great use of the rudder is to help lose a little altitude on final. This is done by giving the aircraft some aileron into the wind, but giving it opposite rudder. It effectively kicks the fuselage out of a streamlined position and adds more drag, causing a loss of airspeed. The airplane will begin to descend more quickly for a given throttle/elevator trim setting. Doing this takes practice much like anything else, though. Let us know how things go for you in your practice!

Good point! I can't argue with that...
I "go around" sometimes, myself, but usually due to height/speed issues, not alignment


Definitely agree with that. I just believe that rudder control is one
of the things
a good instructor will introduce as training progresses beyond "the basics".

What is really interesting,, is 'specially many of the 'older' guys were taught on three chnnl planes where there were NO
ailerons.. I have a Senior Kadet sitting here that still to this day
has no ailerons... And many of us learned of that type of plane..
With the proliferation of ARFs and that just about every ARF trainer is a trike gear plane many new people never grasp the concept of rudder.. Then they go into a tail dragger and wonder as Grnbrt says "doing the Hokey Pokey down the runway" 'specially on a take-off attempt..
When I teach someone from start I usually have them learn taxi'n
which shows them how much control IS nessessary and gets them into using that ill forsaking left stick..
Remember, if a person is taught the use of rudder from the start they will grow into using it more..

Something for a newbie to remember, is if they are not happy with the way or the person, who is teaching them, ask to be placed with another...

Robby

Many people fly and never use their rudder during landings. You normally hear people talk about having to go around because the cross wind is too strong. Practice using your rudder to compensate for wind and you will learn to land in any kind of wind from any direction.

Totally agree. I learned rudder use on I think my first flight. MY instructor isa big fan of in flight rudder use, and use in landing. In fact, I think my first turns were rudder only.

It's saved many a marginal approach, and kept me off the fence that runs down the far side of our runway!

I am one of the old folk that learned on three channels and I use the rudder but most of the time in take offs and after the bird is back on the ground Its is better to use it while flying but old habits are hard to break

I learned flying on a aileron equiped trainer but i am constantly on the rudder. in fact my favorite way to turn is to pull up to about 70 deg and crank the rudder aound and "slide" the plane around the turn... it just looks real cool.