What does the term "yaw" refer to in aviation?

In aviation, the term "yaw" specifically refers to the left and right motion of an aircraft around its vertical axis. This axis runs vertically through the aircraft, allowing it to rotate and change its heading without altering its altitude or direction of flight. When an aircraft yaws, it turns to the left or right, which is primarily controlled by the rudder located on the vertical stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft.

Understanding yaw is crucial for pilots as it helps them maintain control of the aircraft during maneuvers, particularly during turns or while adjusting heading to navigate. This concept is part of the fundamental principles of flight dynamics, where yaw is one of the three main rotational movements, along with pitch (up and down motion around the lateral axis) and roll (tilting side to side around the longitudinal axis).