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Video answers: ‘Why does the rudder always point to the right?’

Here are the answers to last Friday’s video, enjoy!

Suggested ICAO level for video: 5+

  1. On a small plane, it’s usually controlled by pedals which are directly connected to cables to change the position of the rudder. On an Airbus the movements of the side stick generate an electric impulse which is sent to the flight control computer, then the actuators, then a hydraulic system which moves the rudder into position.
  2. When the engines are turned off, hydraulic pressure decreases and the actuators don’t have the pressure to keep the rudder in a neutral position. So in reality, the rudder moves in the direction that the wind is blowing.

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