What is the purpose of the tail rotor?

• A. The tail rotor counteracts torque and provides directional control.
• B. The tail rotor provides lift.
• C. The tail rotor helps with steering during level flight.
• D. The tail rotor houses avionics.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is anti-torque and yaw control. In a helicopter, the main rotor's rotation tends to spin the fuselage in the opposite direction. The tail rotor generates thrust to counter that torque, keeping the aircraft from spinning and giving the pilot a way to steer—yaw the helicopter—by varying tail-rotor thrust with the anti-torque pedals. This control is essential whether hovering or in forward flight, enabling precise heading changes and coordinated turns. Lift comes from the main rotor, not the tail rotor, and avionics are housed in the fuselage, not the tail rotor assembly. So while tail rotor thrust does influence turning, its primary purpose is counteracting torque and providing directional (yaw) control.