Yaw Damper — Automatic system that detects and corrects unwanted yaw oscillations (Dutch roll).

Yaw Damper is an automatic flight control system that senses yaw rate and commands small rudder deflections to dampen yaw oscillations — particularly the coupling of yaw and roll known as Dutch roll. Most swept-wing aircraft are susceptible to Dutch roll and require yaw damper operation.

• Required for flight at high altitudes in most swept-wing jets
• Operates continuously without pilot input
• Yaw damper failure may require speed restrictions and lower cruise altitude
• Works through the rudder with authority limited to a few degrees
• Dutch roll: a coupled oscillation where the nose yaws left-right while the wings roll