Chapter Two The Flight Controls

CHAPTER TWO

THE FLIGHT CONTROLS

200.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the controls with which you will operate the aircraft about the three axes

of motion (Figure 2-1) and how to use them effectively. The controls are grouped into two

categories:

Primary flight controls.

Secondary flight controls.

201.

PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROLS

To maneuver an aircraft, you will learn to control its movement about its lateral, longitudinal,

and vertical axes (Figure 2-1). This is accomplished by the use of the flight controls (elevators,

ailerons, and rudder), which can be deflected from their neutral position into the flow of air as the

aircraft moves forward. In flight, the controls have a natural live "feel" due to the force of the

airflow around them. With this in mind, the student should think of exerting force against this

live pressure or resistance not of moving the flight controls.

Figure 2-1 Lateral, Longitudinal, and Vertical Axes

THE FLIGHT CONTROLS

2-1