Rudder?

[BuzzU]

How much rudder do you use when flying the Hornet and when do you use it?

[Harker]

I use it extensively during ACM, I wouldn't dream of dogfighting without using the rudder. Combining roll and yaw inputs is extremely effective in my opinion, especially at lower speeds.

Outside of dogfights, I don't suppose I use it much, assuming the aircraft hasn't suffered damage to a control surface. Maybe some minute inputs to correct a strafing run, but even that is rare.

[Hog_No32]

In addition to what Harker already said, some use rudders for very minor course adjustments during air-to-air refuelling.

The advantage of using rudders (yaw) instead of the stick (roll) in that scenario is that you don‘t change the vertical lift component when you only induce a bit of yaw. If you use roll instead not only the course changes (desired) but also the vertical lift component changes (not desired) which forces you to compensate with another control input.

 

But yeah, mainly they are used in ACM and especially at low speeds.

[BuzzU]

Ok, thanks, guys.

 

I was just curious because I found myself not using the rudder much. Like you guys said, slow dogfights and fueling but not much else.

[DeltaMike]

Rudder tends to be useful at high angles of attack eg in the pattern. Or say if you're doing a barrel roll

[fitness88]

I use the rudder to straighten my plane out from crabbing just before touching down in a cross wind.

[BuzzU]

Yes, a crosswind.

 

One of the reasons I mentioned it is I just bought another Warthog and the TPR pedals. I bought the pedals for the A-10C but if I end up concentrating on the Hornet like I think I will, the pedals I bought are kind of overkill. I suppose nice pedals are good investment no matter what plane I fly. Besides I still like to jump in the P-51 now and then.

[Lex Talionis]

Rudder is a bit of a necessity for slow speed BFM. Of which the hornet excels at.

[Hog_No32]

[...] I suppose nice pedals are good investment no matter what plane I fly.

 

Agree 100%. And since now we are not only talking about the use of the control surfaces called rudder but essentially about when to use the pedals, keep in mind you always use them for taxiing and braking as well.

 

It‘s funny that I did not even think about crosswinds. Probably because since the Hornet is out I am not flying any other jet and basically always land on the boat where crosswinds are no issue (Thanks Captain for always turning into the wind :smilewink:)

[BuzzU]

Agree 100%. And since now we are not only talking about the use of the control surfaces called rudder but essentially about when to use the pedals, keep in mind you always use them for taxiing and braking as well.

 

It‘s funny that I did not even think about crosswinds. Probably because since the Hornet is out I am not flying any other jet and basically always land on the boat where crosswinds are no issue (Thanks Captain for always turning into the wind :smilewink:)

 

Me too. I always take off and land on the boat. Not much rudder use for that. I am curious how it will be to fly the P-51 with good rudder pedals.

[A2597]

I find I mostly using it in high bank turns. Is it even possible to case 1 pattern without rudder input?

[G B]

Yes. Very much so. I have never once used it Case 1.

[BuzzU]

I haven't either.