Controlling a plane is affected by three movements: yaw, pitch and roll. Roll occurs when one wing dips higher or lower than the other, affecting the longitudinal axis. Roll is controlled by the ailerons which work opposite each other. To roll the plane to the right, turn the stick to the right, causing the right aileron to turn up and the left aileron to turn down. This increases lift to the left wing and decreases lift to the right wing, causing the plane to roll to the right.

Pitch is the motion of the plane as the tail and the nose turn up or down for climbing and descending. Pitch affects the lateral axis and is controlled by the elevator located in the tail section. To climb, the pilot pulls back on the stick, causing the elevator to go up, pushing the tail down. To descend, the elevator is lowered, pushing the tail up and the nose down.

Yaw is the motion that turns the nose of the plane left or right affecting the vertical axis. Yaw is operated by the rudder which is controlled by the two foot pedals. Pushing on the right foot pedal turns the rudder to the right, causing increased pressure on the rudder as it moves the tail to the left, causing the nose of the plane to turn right. To turn left, the pilot pushes the left foot pedal, turns the rudder to the left pushing the tail to the right, causing the plane to turn left.

QUESTIONS - BACK

Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov