What is torque effect in aviation?

The torque effect in aviation refers specifically to the tendency of an airplane to rotate in the opposite direction of the propeller's rotation. This phenomenon occurs due to Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the propeller spins in one direction, the engine and airframe experience an equal and opposite reaction trying to rotate the aircraft in the opposite direction.

This effect is particularly noticeable in single-engine propeller aircraft and is a crucial consideration during takeoff and climb, as pilots need to apply aileron input to counteract this rotational force and maintain level flight. Understanding this concept is essential for managing aircraft control effectively, especially in various power settings and during maneuvers that could amplify this effect.

Other concepts listed, such as unequal lift on a wing, wind shear effects, and load imbalances, do not pertain to the torque effect, but rather relate to different aerodynamic phenomena affecting aircraft behavior in flight.