What is the function of the yaw damper?

The yaw damper serves a crucial role in enhancing the stability of an aircraft by reducing yawing motion. Yawing is the left or right movement of an aircraft's nose around its vertical axis, which can be caused by asymmetrical thrust or side winds. When yawing motion occurs, it can lead to an uncoordinated flight condition, making the aircraft harder to control and potentially leading to adverse situations.

By automatically correcting for any yawing tendency, the yaw damper helps maintain coordinated flight, which is vital for both passenger comfort and safety. This function is particularly important during various phases of flight, such as cruising, where small disturbances can result in larger deviations from the intended flight path. The yaw damper works by using sensors and control algorithms to detect any unwanted yaw and makes necessary adjustments to the aircraft's control surfaces, such as the rudder, to counteract these movements and keep the airplane stable and on its intended flight path.