How Flight Controls Work | Part 3 : Rudder

Summary

Key Points

• The rudder provides yaw control and can be operated via rudder pedals, autopilot commands, or the rudder trim system. 0:12
• Rudder pedals are mechanically linked, ensuring that when one pilot operates them, the other pilot experiences the same movement for positional awareness. 0:43
• A rudder feel and centering mechanism provides resistance to the pedals, making them harder to push as they move and returning them to neutral when released. 0:52
• Pedal movements are translated into rudder deflection through position transducers, the Actuator Control Electronics (ACE), and the Primary Flight Computer (PFC). 1:17
• Three redundant Power Control Units (PCUs), which are hydraulic actuators, move the rudder, utilizing different hydraulic systems for safety. 1:33
• A rudder tab is connected to the rudder and mechanically rigged to move twice the distance of the rudder, significantly increasing rudder effectiveness. 2:02
• The back-driving of rudder pedals by the autopilot informs the pilot of any rudder deflection commanded by the autopilot. 2:57
• Autopilot rudder control involves the PFC commanding the ACE to deflect the rudder, while simultaneously commanding the autopilot computer to back-drive the rudder pedals to reflect the current rudder position. 2:59
• The rudder trim system allows pilots to adjust the rudder's neutral position using a trim switch, which signals the PFC to control a trim actuator that moves the rudder pedals and consequently the rudder. 3:13
• Pressing the trim cancel switch returns the rudder to its zero-degree position. 3:48