For an uncommanded left yaw, which corrective action is listed as the third step?

• A. PEDALS FULL RIGHT DEFLECTION
• B. CYCLIC FORWARD
• C. COLLECTIVE REDUCE
• D. NR HI

Answer: (C)

When a helicopter yaws unexpectedly to the left, the goal is to quickly counter the yawing moment and then reduce the forces driving it. The first step is to apply the opposite pedal to counter the tail-rotor moment causing the left yaw. While holding that pedal, use the cyclic to keep the aircraft stable and prevent excess bank or descent, typically by a gentle forward/neutral input to control airspeed and attitude. After you have the yaw rate under control and the attitude stabilized, the next corrective action is to reduce the collective. Reducing collective lowers the main rotor torque, which in turn decreases the tail-rotor load and the yaw tendency, helping to restore steady directional control without stressing the rotor system. The pedal and cyclic actions are the immediate countermeasures, and the collective reduction is the step that addresses the torque balance to prevent the yaw from returning.