Many beginners (or even above that level) flyers do not use both aileron and rudder, they just use ailerons.  While training beginners, it is always a question "when exactly to prompt the student to start using the rudder".  Should it be before they start training for their landings, or later ? One main use of rudder is to line up aircraft to the runway, so shouldn't it be along with the training for landings ?

Also, a poll is included to find out what percent of flyers here ALWAYS use rudder for landing.

I started using rudder after switching to my low wing trainer. I think it was a serious mistake to be so late to start using rudder. In my experience the use of rudder varies from person to person, Age etc. I have trained so many new comers in the field and I found that younger generation, tend to get used to controls fast. In my case I was forced to use simulator, in order to get use to the rudder, since I never used it with my high wing trainer. Low wing trainer requires slightly faster approach to land and when I tried to learn at that point it became difficult for me. So I trained few days in a simulator to get use to the rudder correction. I believe once you learn the approach and landing, slowly start using the rudder. You can start trying it high in order to get a feel of the action and reaction. Only thing to keep in mind is that, while landing, you use rudder and your nose will dip slightly, so elevator correction is required. I use rudder to land all the time since learned using it. It also helps a lot in correcting the approach of the aircraft in windy condition, for a safe and smooth landing.

hey..I was exactly looking for this kind of thread..Currently I am practicing on simulator and I am using the rudder only when taking off to align with the centre line. But I feel I should use it for landing when there is wind of high magnitude (I am simulating wind upto 10 miles/hr) because rolling the aircraft to align when close to the ground can be dangerous. Is my understanding correct? For what other purpose rudder can be used?
Please put forward your understanding.

I use rudder extensively. But most fliers i have met use aileron as their main control and they are so used to it that on a three channel plane they have put rudder on the aileron channel. My rudder remains on the rudder channel, doesn't matter if i am flying a three channel or a four channel plane.

Substituting rudder input into the aileron channel is a useful training tool for absolute beginners on 3ch planes.  It does help them get ready for 4channel flying.

Once you know your way around, rudder will always be rudder. 

I struggled significantly with 3ch helis in front of an audience recently, because their rudder was on the right stick

Exactly.. but at our field every one with a three channel plane has rudder on the right stick. I am the odd one out! No one flies my planes. Some time some fellow flyer will say let me try a few circuits, then suddenly it strikes them and they go "Oh i forgot, you have your rudder on rudder"

I am currently learning to fly a 3 ch setup (mode 2) and the rudder is plugged into the aileron channel - like you said its a common thing.

Now the question is once I get used to turning the plane using the right stick i.e. the aileron will it not be difficult to try and use both the left and right sticks? specially since the left stick also has a the throttle so the risk ( for a newbie) would be increasing the throttle on the approach instead of just changing the direction

Pankaj

You don't need to use both sticks. On aircraft with ailerons, you can turn them better with ailerons alone.  Rudder usage is really optional.  So you will feel right at home with the right stick alone for turning.

Anwar, I read somewhere that some flyers prefer to use rudder to make small directional changes while on final stages of approach - since the aileron would actually dip the wing on one side and when being very close to ground it may not be a good idea.

So my question was from that perspective

True.  But sooner or later you will use all 4 controls.  So the fear about "using rudder on the left stick which also houses throttle" really needs to be removed from your mind.  It is mostly a mental concern anyways, in practice you will not feel using the left stick fully will cause any issues.

Secondly, if you plan your approach well, most landings can be done without any concerns using ailerons alone.  Rudder becomes a must in cross wind situations. Otherwise, just judicious choice of final approach path is all that is needed, and rudder remains optional.

Great Topic. I am training myself to use rudder while landing and takeoffs on simulator.

Looking around for a ground here in Coimbatore to maiden my new TT Beaver 40.

Anwarji, I will be very greatful if you can help me with my first flight.

Thanks

Arun

I wish... but I am so far far away  

There was a field discussed here not too far from Coimbatore, right ?

Yes, school construction has begun in that site.

I am searching for another field here in Coimbatore to fly Airplanes.

Heli is not a problem as I have space near my house.

Thanks

Arun

 .....Rudder I really never tilted my throttle stick left of right....I use it only to&fro......my previous model (ready 40)....was not having a rudder at all(rudder lost in a crash ) ..... but I agree its really important to learn the right usage of it, specially when you are flying an aircraft bigger than 40 size.

I think bigger models really need proper usage of rudder to align them while landing and light weight models (small upto 40 size) dont really need it that much hence flyers ignore this imprtant stick movement.

Quote from: SunLikeStar on March 24, 2011, 12:20:08 AM
Exactly.. but at our field every one with a three channel plane has rudder on the right stick. I am the odd one out!

I have finally decide to follow suit and connect my rudder to aileron channel on my 3 channel plane (easystar)