What occurs when torque is present during flight?

When torque is present during flight, the aircraft rotates in the opposite direction of the propeller's rotation. This phenomenon occurs due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the propeller spins in one direction to generate thrust, the aircraft experiences a rotational force or torque that acts in the opposite direction.

This torque effect is particularly significant in single-engine propeller aircraft, where the engine and propeller are mounted in such a way that the rotation creates a tendency for the aircraft to roll in the opposite direction of the propeller's spin. For example, if the propeller rotates clockwise, the aircraft will tend to roll counterclockwise. Understanding this effect is crucial for pilots, as it affects handling during various phases of flight, especially during takeoff and climb when the aircraft is more sensitive to the forces at play.