Using The Rudder

I thoroughly enjoy reading Aviation Safety and its professional articles. Having said that, I was surprised to read the questionable advice by Michael Banner in his article, Proper Rudder Use (October 2014).

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A debate on proper stall recovery techniques, with differing views on the amount and method of rudder application to counteract wing drop at stall while avoiding spins.
An analysis suggesting older flight instructors may face higher risks due to less structured work environments, diverse aircraft types, and a client base of experienced private pilots, advising them to establish personal limitations.
An anecdote highlighting how aircraft modifications, such as STOL kits, can subtly alter critical flight parameters like safe maneuvering speed, an effect pilots might not always consider.

See a mistake? Contact us.

I thoroughly enjoy reading Aviation Safety and its professional articles. Having said that, I was surprised to read the questionable advice by Michael Banner in his article, Proper Rudder Use (October 2014).

In essence, his article is about countering a wing drop if it occurs at the point of stall. While most current training aircraft are designed so that the ailerons are effective below stall speed, pilot mishandling, faulty rigging and even icing can sometimes be the cause of a wing drop at the point of stall. At the low speed normally associated with a stall, the so-called pick-up-the-wing-with-rudder technique he advocates has the potential to cause a spin in the other direction.