Figure 2-2 Aileron Control

CHAPTER TWO

T-6A CONTACT

Elevators

The elevators control the aircraft's movement about its lateral axis. They form the rear part of

the horizontal stabilizer, are free to be moved up and down by the pilot, and are connected to a

control stick in the cockpit by means of cables and pulleys. Applying forward pressure on the

stick causes the elevator surfaces to move downward. The flow of air striking the deflected

elevator surfaces exerts an upward force, pushing the aircraft's tail upward and the nose

downward. Conversely, exerting back pressure on the control causes the elevator surfaces to

move up, exerting a downward force to push the tail downward and the nose upward. In effect,

the elevators are the angle-of-attack (AOA) control. When back pressure is applied on the

control, the tail lowers and the nose rises, thus increasing the wing's AOA and lift.

Ailerons

The ailerons control the aircraft's movement about its longitudinal axis (Figure 2-2). There are

two ailerons, one at the trailing edge of each wing, near the wingtips. They are movable surfaces

hinged to the wing's rear spar and are linked together by cables so that when one aileron is

deflected down, the opposite aileron moves up. The ailerons are statically mass balanced with

weights installed on the leading edges of each aileron.

The two wings produce differences in the lift that actually turns the aircraft. To obtain the

horizontal component of lift required to pull the aircraft in the desired direction of turn, apply

lateral control stick force in that direction. When the pilot applies pressure to the left on the

control stick, the right aileron surface deflects downward and the left aileron deflects upward.

The force exerted by the airflow on the deflected surfaces raises the right wing and lowers the left

wing. This happens because the downward deflection of the right aileron changes the wing

camber and increases the AOA and lift on that wing. Simultaneously, the left aileron moves

upward and changes the effective camber, resulting in a decreased AOA and less lift. Thus,

decreased lift on the left wing and increased lift on the right causes the aircraft to bank to the left.

Raising Aileron

Lowering Aileron

Increases Lift

Normal Lift

Decrease Lift

Action of ailerons move the airplane

about its longitudinal axis

Figure 2-2 Aileron Control

2-2

THE FLIGHT CONTROLS