In Weathercock Stability, when wind acts on the rotorcraft, what is the expected yaw behavior?

In Weathercock Stability, when wind acts on the rotorcraft, what is the expected yaw behavior?

• A. Weathervane into the wind
• B. Yaw away from the wind
• C. Spin out of control
• D. Hover facing into wind with no yaw

Answer: (A)

Weathercock stability means the rotorcraft behaves like a weather vane: the crosswind creates a yawing moment that makes the aircraft turn to face into the wind. The vertical stabilizer and fuselage present more drag when there’s a sideslip, so the wind’s pressure nudges the nose toward the oncoming air. This restores alignment with the wind and reduces crossflow. So the rotorcraft will yaw into the wind, not away, not spin out of control, and not sit perfectly steady with no yaw.

Weathercock stability means the rotorcraft behaves like a weather vane: the crosswind creates a yawing moment that makes the aircraft turn to face into the wind. The vertical stabilizer and fuselage present more drag when there’s a sideslip, so the wind’s pressure nudges the nose toward the oncoming air. This restores alignment with the wind and reduces crossflow. So the rotorcraft will yaw into the wind, not away, not spin out of control, and not sit perfectly steady with no yaw.