Plain English Meaning

How hard, and in which direction, the pilot is pushing on the rudder pedals with their feet to keep the nose of the aircraft pointed where it should be.

Full Definition

The forces a pilot applies to the rudder pedals with their feet to control yaw — the side-to-side movement of the aircraft's nose. In coordinated flight, rudder pressures are used to counteract adverse yaw, offset engine torque and propeller effects, and keep the aircraft properly aligned along its flight path.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying when correcting trim during straight-and-level flight, especially while trying to reduce unnecessary control effort.

Derivation

From the , the vertical on the (originally a steering oar on boats), and meaning the applied. The plural form reflects that pressure is applied or , and in varying amounts, throughout .