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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-p-factor-direction

At a high angle of attack, P-factor yaws a single-engine airplane with a clockwise prop (seen from behind) which way?

To the left, because the downswinging blade bites harder.

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  1. To the right
  2. It only pitches the nose up
  3. To the left ✔

Why: At high angle of attack the descending blade meets the air at higher speed than the rising blade. It makes more thrust and pulls the nose left. Expect more right rudder in slow climbs.

Huh, didn't know that: In a chandelle, as airspeed falls, right rudder is progressively increased to counter left-turning tendencies like P-factor.

The dad joke
What did the propeller say about the left turn? It's a P-factor of life.
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References

Answer: To the left. At high angle of attack the descending blade meets the air at higher speed than the rising blade. It makes more thrust and pulls the nose left. Expect more right rudder in slow climbs.

  1. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    The downswinging blade has more lift and tends to pull (yaw) the aircraft's nose to the left.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 10, Performance Maneuvers (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/11_afh_ch10.pdf
    As airspeed decreases, right rudder pressure is progressively increased
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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