Private Pilot Private Exam

At what point does the torque effect become most pronounced during flight?

1. During cruise with low power

2. At a low altitude during descent

3. During takeoff at high throttle

4. While maneuvering in fast flight

The correct answer is: During takeoff at high throttle

The torque effect becomes most pronounced during takeoff at high throttle due to the significant amount of engine power being used at that moment. When an aircraft takes off, the engine operates at maximum output to generate enough thrust for the aircraft to climb. This high power setting increases the rotational forces acting on the aircraft, which are primarily the result of the engine's rotation creating a tendency for the aircraft to roll in the opposite direction of the engine's rotation. As the throttle is advanced, the propeller (which rotates in a specific direction) generates thrust while simultaneously producing torque. This can lead to there being more pronounced effects like P-factor and gyroscopic precession, particularly at lower speeds during takeoff when airflow over the control surfaces is not as effective. This means that any yaw or roll induced by torque needs to be managed carefully by the pilot, making this phase of flight critical for maintaining control. In contrast, in cruise with low power, while torque is still present, it is much less impactful due to the reduced engine output. During a descent at low altitude, the power settings are again lower, and the aircraft is usually in a more stable configuration. Likewise, while maneuvering in fast flight, the effects of airflow and control surface efficiency generally mitigate the