Stabilizer (aircraft) - Directional Stabilization and Control

Directional Stabilization and Control

"Directional (or yaw) stability is usually provided by the fin and rudder together forming a total surface", the vertical stabilizer. Directional control is obtained with the use of the rudder, a movable surface at the rear of the fin. Less commonly, the whole fin surface is pivoted for both stability and control. Yaw stability makes aircraft tend to turn into gusts, rather than being deviated by them.