Explained: What Exactly Is a Dutch Roll?

What Is Dutch Roll, And How Do You Prevent It?

What is a Dutch Roll? The FAA describes the Dutch roll as “lateral oscillatory motions.” This means that when an aircraft is in a Dutch roll it is moving around two axes at the same time. It is rolling and yawing in opposite directions, with each rolling motion causing another yawing motion and each yawing motion precipitating another rolling motion. If no further control inputs are given, each set of motions will lessen until eventually the aircraft stabilizes. An unplanned Dutch roll happens m