| An airplane rotates about three axes; they are longitudinal, horizontal, and vertical axes. Below is a definition and explanation of their purpose. |
The longitudinal axis is an imaginary line running through the
nose to the tail. The airplane tilts about the horizontal axis by
action of the ailerons, which is a movable flat-type section
mounted on the outboard wing and controlled by the control
column, (or stick) which moves both the aileron and the elevator.
At left aileron, the left wing lowers by the left aileron moving up,
while the right aileron moves down. The aileron is used in turning,
but does not itself turn the airplane, but tilts it as explained above.
nose to the tail. The airplane tilts about the horizontal axis by
action of the ailerons, which is a movable flat-type section
mounted on the outboard wing and controlled by the control
column, (or stick) which moves both the aileron and the elevator.
At left aileron, the left wing lowers by the left aileron moving up,
while the right aileron moves down. The aileron is used in turning,
but does not itself turn the airplane, but tilts it as explained above.
The horizontal axis is an imaginary line extending from wing tip
to wing tip. The airplane rotates about this line when the airplane
nose is moved up or down. This rotation is initiated by moving the
stick forward or back, which moves the elevator up or down. The
elevator mounted on the tail on the horizontal stabilizer. Pulling
the stick back raises the elevator, which lifts the nose. Moving the
stick forward, moves the elevator down, which lowers the nose.
However, the airplane will also descend simply by reducing power.
to wing tip. The airplane rotates about this line when the airplane
nose is moved up or down. This rotation is initiated by moving the
stick forward or back, which moves the elevator up or down. The
elevator mounted on the tail on the horizontal stabilizer. Pulling
the stick back raises the elevator, which lifts the nose. Moving the
stick forward, moves the elevator down, which lowers the nose.
However, the airplane will also descend simply by reducing power.
The vertical axis extends from bottom to top through the
airplane at about the wing root location. The airplane turns left
and right about the vertical axis by movement of the rudder
pedal, depressing the left rudder pedal moves the rudder
(mounted on the vertical stabilizer on the tail) to the left, causing
the nose to turn left. The airplane can be turned with rudder only,
but a coordinated turn requires left aileron simultaneously, and to
hold altitude, add elevator.
airplane at about the wing root location. The airplane turns left
and right about the vertical axis by movement of the rudder
pedal, depressing the left rudder pedal moves the rudder
(mounted on the vertical stabilizer on the tail) to the left, causing
the nose to turn left. The airplane can be turned with rudder only,
but a coordinated turn requires left aileron simultaneously, and to
hold altitude, add elevator.
| THREE AXES IN FLIGHT |
Although the identified axes do not direct the airplane in flight,
they identify the design and manufacture of the plane to assure
the control function of flight. For example, in a climbing turn, the
elevator, rudder and ailerons are all engaged for coordinated
maneuver.
they identify the design and manufacture of the plane to assure
the control function of flight. For example, in a climbing turn, the
elevator, rudder and ailerons are all engaged for coordinated
maneuver.
How an Airplane Flies
Airplanes fly--simply said--because of speed
and airfoil (shape of the wing). At a given
speed, the airfoil is designed to allow less
pressure on the upper wing surface than on
the lower wing surface and the airplane flies.
Flight will be maintained so long as these two
factors (airfoil and airspeed) exist; denying
either factor will adversely affect the other and
the airplane will stall. That means it simply
quits flying and descends out of control until
both conditions are regained.
and airfoil (shape of the wing). At a given
speed, the airfoil is designed to allow less
pressure on the upper wing surface than on
the lower wing surface and the airplane flies.
Flight will be maintained so long as these two
factors (airfoil and airspeed) exist; denying
either factor will adversely affect the other and
the airplane will stall. That means it simply
quits flying and descends out of control until
both conditions are regained.
| Offered by Ben Owen, as recollected as WWII Fighter Pilot Commercial Pilot Certificate #354741 Single & Multiengine Land AOPA #692644 Member of the VFW and American Legion |
How an Airplane Flies created by Hired Killer's Accomplice.
Basics and Comments by Ben Owen, WWII Fighter Pilot |
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