Which control surface is responsible for controlling yaw in an aircraft?

The control surface responsible for controlling yaw in an aircraft is the rudder. Yaw refers to the left or right movement of an aircraft's nose about its vertical axis. The rudder is located on the vertical stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft and operates by directing airflow when it is deflected. By moving the rudder left or right, the pilot can alter the aircraft's heading or direction without affecting its roll or pitch. This is crucial for coordinated turns, where the aircraft needs to maintain both altitude and speed while changing direction.

In contrast, ailerons are used for controlling roll, allowing the aircraft to tilt side-to-side. Elevators control the pitch of the aircraft, raising or lowering the nose, while flaps are devices that increase lift during takeoff and landing but do not influence yaw. Understanding the specific functions of these control surfaces is essential for effective aircraft handling and maneuvering.