Overview
This lecture explains the basics of how a pilot controls an airplane using primary flight controls to maneuver around its three main axes: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical.
Three Axes of Aircraft Movement
- An airplane moves in three dimensions around its center of gravity: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical axes.
- The center of gravity is the theoretical point where the aircraft’s weight is concentrated.
- The center of lift is where all the wing’s lift is concentrated; the center of gravity is placed slightly in front of it for stability.
Lateral Axis (Pitch)
- The lateral (pitch) axis runs wingtip to wingtip through the center of gravity.
- Pitching around the lateral axis moves the nose of the plane up or down.
- The elevator controls pitch; pulling back on the yoke/stick raises the elevator, pitching the nose up, and pushing forward lowers it, pitching the nose down.
Longitudinal Axis (Roll)
- The longitudinal (roll) axis runs nose to tail through the center of gravity.
- Rolling around this axis tilts the wings side to side, moving the aircraft laterally.
- Ailerons control roll; turning the yoke raises one aileron and lowers the other, producing opposite lift and rolling the aircraft.
Vertical Axis (Yaw)
- The vertical (yaw) axis runs vertically through the center of gravity.
- Yawing moves the nose left or right, causing a twisting motion but not a true directional turn.
- The rudder, controlled by pedals, adjusts yaw: right pedal for yaw right, left pedal for yaw left.
Coordinating Controls and Adverse Yaw
- Rolling the airplane causes adverse yaw, where drag on the lowered aileron yaws the plane opposite the turn.
- Rudder must be coordinated with aileron input: use left rudder with a left roll, right rudder with a right roll.
- Maintain a coordinated turn by ensuring the “ball” on the instrument panel stays centered (“step on the ball”).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Lateral Axis — Axis running wingtip to wingtip; controls pitch.
- Longitudinal Axis — Axis running nose to tail; controls roll.
- Vertical Axis — Axis running top to bottom; controls yaw.
- Center of Gravity — Point where airplane’s mass is concentrated.
- Center of Lift — Point where wing’s lift is concentrated.
- Elevator — Flight control for pitch.
- Ailerons — Flight controls for roll.
- Rudder — Flight control for yaw.
- Adverse Yaw — Tendency to yaw opposite to intended turn during roll.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Take the free quiz linked in the video description to test understanding.
- Review coordinated use of ailerons and rudder.
- Prepare for further lessons on turning and additional flight maneuvers.