In a skid, what happens to the turn radius and turn rate?

Study for the NIFE Aerodynamics Exam. Dive into a range of multiple choice questions designed to test your understanding of aerodynamics. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to boost your preparation for the main exam.

In a skid, the dynamics of the aircraft change due to the loss of lateral control and the excessive yawing motion. During a skid, the aircraft's turn radius actually decreases. This is because the aircraft begins to bank inappropriately, causing the outer wing to have a lower angle of attack and a decrease in lift provided to that wing. This results in a tighter turn, as the aircraft is unable to maintain effective control.

As for the turn rate, this increases because the aircraft is rapidly losing altitude and converting that energy into a turn, even if it is not a controlled one. The combination of the reduced turn radius and the increased turn rate reflects the unstable conditions of the skid. Thus, the correct answer reflects the behavior of the aircraft under these conditions.

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