The TAD computes input to the rudder trim system based on __________________________.

• A. Engine torque, airspeed, altitude, and pitch angle
• B. Altitude, airspeed, pitch rate, and propeller RPM
• C. Engine torque, rudder pedal, control forces, and altitude
• D. Engine torque, airspeed, altitude, and pitch rate

Answer: (D)

Rudder trim must respond to how yaw tendencies change with power, speed, and flight dynamics. Engine torque represents the yaw moment caused by thrust; airspeed determines how strongly the air influences the tail and how effective the rudder will be; altitude changes air density and the overall aerodynamic environment, affecting both thrust and tail authority; pitch rate signals rapid pitching motion, which can couple into yaw through aerodynamic and gyroscopic effects. By combining these four inputs, the TAD can generate a trim command that offsets the expected yaw, keeping the aircraft coordinated across different power settings and flight conditions. The other options rely on static or less directly related data, such as pitch angle, prop RPM, or pilot inputs, which don’t track the dynamic yaw tendencies as effectively.