» AS THE PROPELLER TURNS The unique characteristics of the propeller bring with them unique flight considerations. Each of the major left-turning tendencies can be attributed to the propeller. They are: TORQUE—As seen from the cockpit, most propellers turn clockwise. That turning force has an equal and opposite reaction, which causes the airplane to want to roll left. PRECESSION—The fast-spinning propeller acts like a gyroscope (imagine holding on to a spinning bicycle wheel). When the airplane pitches up, the force is applied 90 degrees ahead, causing the FIXED- left-yawing force. PITCH VER- SLIPSTREAM—The turning SUS propeller causes a spiraling airflow CON- around the fuselage that eventually contacts the vertical stabilizer on the left side, pushing the tail to the right and nose to the left. P-FACTOR—The easiest way to think of P-factor is to look at the profile of the propeller. As the arc comes down on the right, the angle of attack is higher than when it comes up on the left. That higher angle of attack means more lift, or pulling force, which results in a tendency to turn left. 24 / FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG STANT-SPEED PROPELLER General aviation aircraft commonly employ