Skip to main content
Aviation glossary

Yaw String

What is yaw string?

Illustration related to yaw string
Image: U.S. Department of Transportation, FAA — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A yaw string is a short piece of string attached to the nose or windshield where the pilot can see it; if the aircraft slips or skids sideways, the string deflects off-center to warn the pilot.

Studying for an FAA written test?

Terms like yaw string show up on the FAA knowledge test. Study them in context with ACS-aligned practice questions, AI explanations, and the cited FAA handbook reference behind every answer — free to start.

Learn more in the library

Related terms

Browse the full glossary →