CAAP Private Pilot License (PPL) – EQC for Cessna 152 Practice Exam

Yawing left during takeoff in an airplane, such as the Cessna 152, is primarily caused by P-factor or asymmetrical thrust. P-factor occurs due to the way the propeller blades interact with the oncoming airflow. When the aircraft is at a high angle of attack, typically during takeoff, the downward-moving blade on the right side of the propeller generates more thrust than the upward-moving blade on the left side. This imbalance in thrust creates a yawing motion to the left.

The contribution from P-factor is particularly pronounced in aircraft with a propeller that rotates clockwise when viewed from the cockpit, causing a greater thrust being produced on the right side. Therefore, as the aircraft accelerates down the runway and reaches the point of takeoff, the differential thrust can lead to a tendency to yaw left, which pilots must correct for to maintain a straight flight path.

While other factors, such as the position of the center of gravity or the rigging of control surfaces, may influence the aircraft's performance and handling characteristics, they are not direct causes of yawing during takeoff in the context of the thrust asymmetry generated by P-factor. Wing dihedral angle also primarily affects lateral stability and does not contribute to yaw during take