12.58 Basic Flying Controls

12.58.2 Define the aircraft axes of rotation, pitch, roll and yaw.

Aircraft movement occurs about three imaginary axes that intersect at the aircraft’s centre of gravity.

1. Pitch (Lateral Axis)
The lateral axis runs from wingtip to wingtip.
Rotation about this axis is called pitch, which raises or lowers the aircraft’s nose.

2. Roll (Longitudinal Axis)
The longitudinal axis runs from nose to tail.
Rotation about this axis is called roll, which causes the aircraft to bank left or right.

3. Yaw (Vertical Axis)
The vertical axis runs from top to bottom through the aircraft.
Rotation about this axis is called yaw, which moves the nose left or right.

Summary

• Pitch: Nose up or down about the lateral axis
• Roll: Banking motion about the longitudinal axis
• Yaw: Nose left or right about the vertical axis

Control of these three axes allows the pilot to manoeuvre the aircraft in all directions.

12.58.4 Name the flying controls used to affect movement about each axis.

1. Pitch (Lateral Axis)

• Controlled by the elevators
• Located on the horizontal stabiliser
• Movement of the elevators changes the aircraft’s angle of attack, causing the nose to rise or fall