Airplane Control Surfaces and Systems

Which control surface is responsible for roll in an airplane?

What mechanism connects the control wheels to the aileron primary control cables?

How is the stabilator trim controlled in the airplane?

Which control surface is primarily responsible for pitch?

What connects the rudder pedals to the rudder horn in the aircraft?

Airplane Control Surfaces

Ailerons control the aircraft's roll (tilting the aircraft left and right) and are operated by the control wheel.
Stabilator controls the aircraft's pitch (nose up or down) and is operated by the control column.
Rudder controls the aircraft's yaw (turning the aircraft left or right around its vertical axis) and is operated by the rudder pedals.

Airplane Control Systems

Control Wheel is connected to the ailerons via cables and bellcranks which transmit the pilot's input to the ailerons.
Control Column connects to the stabilator via a cable and bellcrank.
Rudder Pedals connect directly to the rudder.

Trim Systems

Stabilator Trim allows the pilot to adjust the angle of the stabilator for a consistent aircraft pitch without having to hold the control column in a specific position. This can be adjusted with a wheel and drum or an electric trim control.
Rudder Trim allows the pilot to adjust the angle of the rudder for a consistent aircraft yaw without having to hold the rudder pedals in a specific position.

Test your knowledge on the essential control surfaces and systems of an airplane, including ailerons, stabilators, and rudders. Understand how these components work together to manage an aircraft's roll, pitch, and yaw. Explore the mechanisms behind control and trim systems used by pilots.