SmartCockpit Dash8-200, Manual

Yaw control 

Directional control about the yaw axis is provided by the rudder control system. The rudder is 
hydraulically powered and controlled through displacement of either pilot’s rudder pedals. A 
yaw damper operates through the rudder control system to improve directional stability. 
 
 

Rudder control system 

The rudder has two sections (fore and trailing) driven by dual hydraulic actuators positioned 
by either pilot’s rudder pedals. 
 
The position of the rudder is shown on the PFCS indicator. Full-scale rudder deflection is 
indicated by movement of the pointer to the index marks (16

q

 left marking, 18

q

 right marking). 

 
Rudder trim is provided by a two speed electric actuator, which has the capability to displace 
the fore rudder 10º left or right of centre. Control of this actuator is by a spring-loaded rotary 
switch on the TRIM panel to the rear of the aft electronics panel. 
 
The fore rudder is hinged to the vertical stabilizer and is moved by both actuators. The 
trailing rudder is hinged to the fore rudder and is geometrically geared to the vertical 
stabilizer by push rods such that trailing rudder deflection is twice that of the fore rudder. 
 
A pressure regulator controls hydraulic pressure to each rudder actuator. The regulator limits 
actuator pressure to 1500 Psi at airspeeds below 150 KIAS and 900 Psi above 150 KIAS, in 
response to speed signals from the air data computers (ADC’s), to reduce rudder sensitivity 
at high speeds. Pressure switches, armed by ADC speed signals, are positioned in each 
actuator's supply lines.  
 
Maximum fore rudder travel is allowed only when the flap selector lever is out of the 0º 
position to provide necessary authority at lower airspeeds. A mechanical rudder travel 
restrictor limits rudder deflection to 12º with the flap selector lever at 0. 
 
 

Yaw damper 

A yaw damper system operates independently or in conjunction with the automatic flight 
control system (AFCS) to provide compensating rudder inputs whenever the aircraft deviates 
from coordinated flight. In level flight it acts to improve directional stability by damping 
oscillation in yaw caused by turbulence. In turns initiated by the crew or the AFCS it provides 
the necessary rudder deflection to maintain turn coordination. 
 
Accelerometers within the flight guidance computer provide yaw data, which is combined 
with other flight condition information. To provide output command signals to an electric yaw 
damper actuator that can reposition the rudder up to 5º to left or right of an existing rudder 
setting to maintain coordinated flight. 
 
The yaw damper is engaged by means of an YD press-on/press-off switch light on the flight 
guidance controller, located on the glareshield panel. Engaging the autopilot will 
automatically switch on the yaw damper. The autopilot can not be engaged with the yaw 
damper off. 

Dash8-200/300 - Flight Controls

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