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Is it possible to turn a large jet like the Boeing 747, Airbus A380 or other airliner using only the rudder, i.e. without using the ailerons on the wings? Will it take longer to turn to a new heading? I find the tilting when ailerons (wing flaps) are involved is uncomfortable.

Pondlife
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securitydude5
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  • Duplicate of this question which is itself a duplicate of this question – Steve V. May 19 '17 at 14:09
  • «I find the tilting when ailerons (wing flaps) are involved is uncomfortable.» Besides the fact that flaps and ailerons are very different things, where did you experience this? In a well-executed (aileron) turn you should hardly notice anything. – DaG May 29 '17 at 09:46

1 Answers1

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Yes you can, and this is the backup mode for turning the A320 when the Fly By Wire has failed. It is not very comfortable though:

  • Changing direction using only the rudder creates sideways acceleration, not good for passengers with drinks in front of them

  • Since the rudder is located above the center of gravity, the aircraft leans the wrong way when rudder only is used, amplifying the sideways acceleration. A ship has the rudder below the center of buoyancy and leans into the turn when rudder is deflected.

Koyovis
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  • Actually, I'm told by someone who should know that the difference between a ship and a boat is which way it heels over in a turn; a boat heels inward, a ship heels outward. This is why submarines are always "boats" to sailors. – Chromatix May 09 '18 at 11:53