Yaw Damper

[brad2886]

What does this do, and when should I use it?

Brad

[72737]

A yaw damper is used on swept wing aircraft to prevent a phenomenon known as Dutch Roll when these aircraft operate at high altitudes with high airspeeds. To prevent Dutch Roll the yaw damper moves the rudder in the opposite direction of any small sideways gusts (Yaw) These sideloads are sensed by small rate gyros and the signal is forwarded to the yaw damper system which then counteracts the yaw by a very small rudder deflection. On some widebody aircraft the yaw damper is also known as YAW/SAS (Yaw/ Stability Augmentation System) Essentially its function is the same.
Make sure the yaw damper is ON anytime you fly a swept wing airplane.
Hope this helps.

[the_unclebob]

We had yaw damper on the F-111 and it was used all the time, even at low altitude, ie: under 500ft with auto TFR

bob

[72737]

If you loose the yaw damper on the B727 at high altitudes and at high speed, then Dutch Roll can occur. If the yaw damper becomes inop, then Mr.Boeing wants you to slow down and descend to a lower flight level.
However, like I wrote in my previous post: Ensure that the yaw damper is engaged ANYTIME you fly a swept wing airplane.
Hope this helps.