To prevent uncommanded yaw, what type of wind should we avoid below 30 knots airspeed?

• A. Tailwind
• B. Headwind
• C. Crosswind
• D. Variable

Answer: (A)

When flying at low airspeed, yaw control relies mainly on the anti-torque system to counter the rotor’s torque and on how wind interacts with the rotor flow and tail area. A wind coming from the rear (a tailwind) changes the surrounding airflow around the tail boom and rotor system in a way that makes the yaw moment more sensitive to gusts and small changes in wind. With little translational airspeed to dampen disturbances, these small changes can produce an uncommanded yaw unless the pilot quickly and decisively uses the pedals to counter it. The other wind directions tend to produce yaw effects that are more predictable or easier to counter at low speed, so tailwinds below 30 knots are the most troublesome for maintaining stable heading.