Why Does My RC Plane Roll to the Left When I Increase Throttle?

Question: Why does my RC plane roll left when I throttle up?

Answer: A left roll when you increase throttle is usually caused by the engine torque and P-factor effects. Most RC planes have a clockwise-spinning propeller (from the pilot's perspective), which creates a torque reaction pushing the plane to roll left. Additionally, the asymmetric thrust from the propeller blades at higher throttle (known as P-factor) can cause yaw and roll to the left.

To correct this, first check your control surfaces and ensure your ailerons and trims are properly centred. Next, add a small amount of right aileron trim or adjust your transmitter’s aileron dual rates to compensate. You can also slightly tilt the motor mount or adjust the thrust angle to counteract the roll.

During flight, apply a bit of right aileron as you increase throttle to maintain level flight. Practising smooth throttle increases can help manage this effect. If you have a torque compensating gyro or flight controller, enabling it can assist with correction automatically.