The term “top rudder” describes the top rudder pedal, the high pedal when an airplane is in a bank. A maneuver using top rudder pedal, full aileron in the same direction and neutral elevator is the definitive skill set of an accomplished stick and rudder pilot. Whether recovering a steep turn, turning base to finial, recovering from an upset to inverted, or recovering from a stall / spin event, this maneuver described simply as top rudder is a pilot skill that will set you apart from less skilled aviators. In the event of an unintended unusual attitude, using top rudder will save your life.
Jim Alsip, Master CFI-Aerobatic, and Dylan Aviation School of Airmanship, located at Indiantown Florida (X58), offers courses of instruction in: basic aerobatics - emergency maneuvers - stall, spin, upset recovery - tailwheel skills.
You can learn more about airmanship and stall/spin avoidance at www.dylanaviation.com. Select the Hangar Talk Page to read Jim’s monthly posts and select the E-Store Page to review Jim’s current books and DVD.
