What is the purpose of the rudder on an aircraft?

The rudder controls movement of the aircraft about its vertical axis. This motion is called yaw. Like the other primary control surfaces, the rudder is a movable surface hinged to a fixed surface in this case, to the vertical stabilizer or fin. The rudder is controlled by the left and right rudder pedals.

How can you determine if the airplane is coordinated without using the inclinometer?

They simply look directly ahead of them over the panel, at a point directly above their seated position, then roll right or left while simultaneously applying just enough rudder pressure to keep the nose from yawing in the opposite direction of turn. That’s right. It’s a visual thing. No inclinometer needed.

Can you turn with rudder?

To turn – any vehicle, not just an airplane – you need to generate corresponding centripetal force. When you only apply rudder, the plane will turn a bit, but because unlike boat it has no keel, it will not generate much centripetal force, just fly somewhat sideways, which is called a skid.

What is the function of rudder in aircraft?

Is it possible to turn without ailerons or rudder?

I know you use the rudder when banking to keep the plane in the correct orientation, but is it possible, when making a slight turn with say a small private cessna, could you just use the rudder to turn? Yes it is possible to turn without ailerons. It is not recommended though. I have tried it on Cessna 172 as practice many times.

Can a plane land without a rudder?

In most planes landing without rudder control would be a non-event. Rudder is used to enter and stop turns, to counter propeller P factor, and to deal with an engine out on multi engine aircraft. Many planes, perhaps by not most planes, hardly require any rudder input by the pilot.

Do you need rudder input to turn on the yaw-damper?

$\\begingroup$@user3528438 It is not a feature of an “advanced” system. Turns on any yaw-damper equipped airliner (707, DC-8 to today) should be flown without any rudder input. I think this is more along the lines of the answer that is being sought, rather than the complex aerodynamics and glider answers so far.$\\endgroup$

How do you fly a glider with a jammed rudder?

If you find yourself in a high-performance glider with a jammed rudder, speed up in order to fly turns with the ailerons (and elevator) only. The lower lift coefficient will reduce adverse yaw so direction can be controlled with ailerons and elevator only.