AFOQT Practice Test

What is the main purpose of the vertical stabilizer on an aircraft?

1. To control pitch

2. To control roll

3. To control yaw

4. To provide lift

The correct answer is: To control yaw

The vertical stabilizer, also known as the vertical fin, is primarily responsible for controlling yaw, which is the rotation of the aircraft around its vertical axis. This component helps maintain directional stability and control by preventing unwanted side-to-side movement of the aircraft. When the pilot inputs rudder commands, the vertical stabilizer aids in directing the aircraft's nose left or right, enhancing its ability to navigate efficiently through the air. The other functions listed, such as controlling pitch or roll, are managed by different parts of the aircraft, specifically the horizontal stabilizer for pitch and the ailerons for roll. Providing lift is primarily the function of the wings, not the vertical stabilizer, which instead focuses on stabilizing the aircraft's movement around the yaw axis.