rudder pedals — Aviation Definition

Words for: Basic Instrument Maneuvers

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Definition 1 of 2

Plain English Meaning

The two foot pedals a pilot uses to steer the airplane on the ground and to keep the nose pointed correctly in flight. Pushing the top of the pedal also applies the brake on that side.

Full Definition

Two foot-operated pedals in the cockpit, one for each foot, that control the airplane's rudder in flight and steer the nosewheel (or tailwheel) on the ground. Pressing the left pedal yaws the nose left; pressing the right pedal yaws the nose right. In most airplanes, the upper portion of each pedal also operates the corresponding main wheel brake when pressed with the toes.

Context Anchor

Seen during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any cockpit discussion of foot controls.

Definition 2 of 2

Plain English Meaning

The two foot pedals a pilot pushes to swing the nose of the aircraft left or right, and to steer and brake on the ground.

Full Definition

The foot-operated controls in an aircraft cockpit that move the rudder, allowing the pilot to control yaw — the side-to-side movement of the aircraft's nose around its vertical axis. On most aircraft, the rudder pedals also operate the nosewheel or tailwheel steering on the ground and, when toe brakes are fitted, the main wheel brakes.

Context Anchor

You use rudder pedals during taxi, takeoff, landing, turns, slips, and anytime you need to keep the airplane pointed straight or coordinated.

Derivation

‘Rudder’ comes from the Old English rother, meaning a steering oar used on boats. Early aircraft borrowed the nautical term because the function is the same — a hinged surface at the back that swings the craft’s nose left or right.

Why Pilots Care

They provide the only direct means of directional control on the ground and are essential for coordinated flight and crosswind corrections in the air.

Intuition Check

Rudder pedals are not mainly for banking the airplane like a steering wheel turns a car. They control where the nose points left or right; the control wheel or stick is what primarily rolls the wings.

Example Sentence 1

On takeoff roll, the student pilot applied right rudder pedal to counteract the left-turning tendency and keep the aircraft tracking down the centerline.

Example Sentence 2

During taxi, light pressure on the left rudder pedal turned the airplane toward the ramp without needing to ride the brakes.