A fixed wing aircraft is known as a ‘three axis’ aircraft. A three axis aircraft in flight is able to rotate in three different dimensions or axes: yaw (when the nose moves left or right about an axis running up and down); pitch (when the nose moves up or down about an axis running from wing to wing); and roll (when the aircraft rotates about an axis running from nose to tail). These axes are also known as the lateral axis, longitudinal axis and the normal (or vertical) axis. The aircraft yaws around the vertical axis, pitches around the lateral axis, and rolls around the longitudinal axis. Aircraft axes The elevator controls pitch, the ailerons control roll, and the rudder controls yaw. We also have ‘secondary’ or ‘support’ control surfaces; these are the flaps and the trim tab. Flaps are a lift-generating device attached to the wing. Trim tabs can be attached to the ailerons, rudder and elevator. The trim reduces the control column pressure for the pilot. The elevator and ailerons are controlled with our control column (or control stick) and the rudder is controlled by our rudder pedals Flaps are normally controlled with an electric flap switch or manual lever, while trim is controlled by an electric switch or manual control wheel (depending on aircraft type). Control surfaces Stability and Control Chapter 3 Planes of movement: pitch, roll and yaw
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