Rudders

Gyroplane Rudder.

Forward end of the Vertical Stabilizer.

At the end of a gyroplane is a vertical structure that does not move, this is called a vertical stabilizer. The vertical stabilizer helps an aircraft fly in a straight line like an arrow. The rudder is a control element attached to the vertical stabilizer.

The rudder can deflect left or right and controlled by the rudder pedals in the cockpit. Control cables or push-pull tubes connect the rudder pedals to the rudder. Deflection of the rudder into the airstream will move the nose of the gyroplane to the left or right.

The rudder is not needed to make a coordinated turn as in an airplane but is used more to keep the aircraft in trim. You will learn more about this when you start flying.

The rudder can be made of wood, metal, fabric or composite material.

At the aft end of the rudder may be a small metal trim tab. The trim tab helps control the proper position of the rudder in flight to reduce pilot workload.

While we are back near the tail we may have another item back here called a Horizontal Stabilizer.