Yaw is the motion around which axis?

Yaw refers to the rotational motion of an aircraft around its vertical axis. This axis runs perpendicular to the ground and through the center of the aircraft, allowing the nose of the aircraft to move left or right.

When an aircraft yaws, it changes its direction horizontally without altering its pitch (up or down) or roll (tilting). This movement is essential for navigation and heading changes, particularly during flight maneuvers.

In contrast, the lateral axis relates to pitch (nose up or down movement), the longitudinal axis pertains to roll (tilting side to side), and the horizontal axis is a less specific term that doesn't clearly define any of the aircraft's primary axes of rotation. Understanding yaw around the vertical axis is key for pilots and aerodynamics engineers, as it plays a critical role in maintaining controlled flight and navigation.