What constitutes adverse yaw?

Adverse yaw occurs when an aircraft yaws away from the direction in which it is turning. This phenomenon primarily happens due to differences in lift and drag between the wings during a turn. When a pilot initiates a turn, the wing that is raised (the outer wing) experiences increased lift, which also generates more drag compared to the lowered wing (the inner wing). As a result, the aircraft tends to yaw in the opposite direction of the turn, leading to adverse yaw.

Understanding adverse yaw is crucial for pilots, as it highlights the need for coordinated use of the ailerons and rudder during turns to maintain a smooth flight path and prevent unintended yawing movements. Recognizing this concept helps improve maneuverability and control, especially during basic flight training when pilots learn to handle various aerodynamic effects on the aircraft.