The rudder is located at the trailing edge of the vertical stabilizer and is used to yaw, or turn the nose of the airplane left or right on its Y-axis. This is similar to the rudder on a boat, only on an airplane the rudder is used with other control surfaces to turn an aircraft. The rudder is used to help coordinate an aircraft in a turn or correct for a crosswind situation.

The pedals in the cockpit control the rudder. When the left rudder pedal is pushed down, the rudder moves to the left. This causes the nose of the aircraft to yaw to the left. Inversely when the right rudder pedal is pushed down the rudder moves right and the aircraft's nose also turns to the right. Refer to the video segment at the left for a visual demonstration.

The rudder causes the aircraft to yaw. When the rudder is turned to the left the wind forces the tail of the aircraft right and the nose points left. Depending on which rudder pedal has been pressed, the nose yaws in the same direction.