What is torque reaction in aviation?

Torque reaction in aviation refers to the force that causes rotation in the opposite direction of a propeller's rotation. This effect occurs due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As a propeller spins in one direction, it generates a twisting force on the aircraft's fuselage in the opposite direction.

This torque reaction is particularly significant in single-engine aircraft, where the engine's rotational force can create a noticeable yawing moment. Pilots must compensate for this effect during takeoff and climb to maintain straight flight. Understanding torque reaction is crucial for pilots as it influences handling characteristics and requires appropriate control inputs to counteract its effects during various phases of flight.

Other concepts, such as the tendency of an aircraft to rise, drag affecting propeller efficiency, or aerodynamic resistance in turns, do not address the specific nature of torque reaction, which is solely about the rotational forces induced by the propeller's movement.