Fundamental Control Factors

One of the detriments sufficed by early pioneers in aviation was stability and control. Factors such as the aerodynamics ones (e.g. lift) had been conquered. However, in order to fully conquer the air, the issue of stability and control had to be mastered.

Control and stability of any aircraft is obtained through the application of understanding three primary axis's. These are longitudinal, lateral and normal axis's. Each is controlled and stabilized through their own control surfaces.

Longitudinal Axis:
A maneuverer on the longitudinal axis is interpreted as roll. Roll is the aircraft motion that is responsible for banking. The force is generally active after take off and on descent. Rarely, if ever, is roll adjusted in cursing flight as conditions here are close to constant. Roll control is obtained by the pilots through using the ailerons. These are deployable panels towards the tip of the wing.

Lateral Axis:
The lateral axis is the terminology used when referring to pitch motion. Pitch, can be simply described by up and down motion. Changed in pitch are displayed by the nose or AOA (angle of attack). Motion on the lateral axis is stabilized by a component called the horizontal stabilizer. In many aircraft the horizontal stabilizer is found at the rear of the plane. Now, we know how the motion of the lateral axis is kept constant. So what about altering is to obtain control? The lateral axis can be differed by the elevators. The elevators are attached directly on the horizontal stabilizer and they are controlled in the cockpit in order to alter pitch.

Normal Axis:
The normal axis in which maneuverer of the aircraft yaw motion is altered and stabilized. Yaw motion is the left and right motion of the nose of the aircraft. It is controlled by the rudder and stabilized by the vertical stabilizer. The vertical stabilizer and rudder can be seen at the rear of the aircraft. Sometimes it can be interpreted as the tail pin.