Theory of Flight

6.02 Flight Controls

References:
FTGU pages 30-31
 6.02 Flight Controls
MTPs:
Axes of an Airplane
Movements
Function of the Controls
Flutter
Balancing Controls
 Review
Label the airplane!
 Review
What kind of construction are these?
 Review
How would you describe these aircraft?
 Review
What do the following terms mean?
Wingspan
Chord
Planform
Aspect Ratio
Angle of Incidence
Relative Airflow
Angle of Attack
Airfoil
Camber
Axes of an Airplane
Movements
 Movements
Roll movement around longitudinal axis

Pitch movement around lateral axis

Yaw movement around vertical/normal

axis
 Function of the Controls

Ailerons cause
movement
around the
longitudinal
axis

This movement
is
called roll.
 Function of the Controls
Ailerons are controlled using the
control column

Control column RIGHT = right wing down

Control column LEFT = left wing down

 Function of the Controls

The elevator controls

movement about the
lateral axis

This movement is
called pitch.
 Function of the Controls
Elevators are controlled using the control
column

Control column FORWARD = nose down

Control column BACK =nose up

 Function of the Controls
An alternative to the elevator is the
stabilator
It is controlled the same way the elevator is
The entire horizontal stabilizer moves to act as an
elevator
 Function of the Controls

The rudder controls

movement around the
vertical axis.

This movement is
called yaw.
 Function of the Controls
The rudder is controlled using the
rudder pedals

Right rudder pedal = yaw right

Left rudder pedal = yaw left

 Flutter
What is flutter?

Rolling or weaving motion arising from

deflection of a part of the airplane structure
that causes the air forces on it to change
in synchronism with its natural period of
vibration
Control surfaces must be balanced properly
to prevent flutter!
 Balancing Controls
Balancing control surfaces to help pilots
move them
Examples:
Inset hinge balance
Rudder horn
Aileron hinge axes
Balancing Controls
 Balancing Controls
Addition of mass (usually made of lead)
to control surfaces to prevent flutter
Example:
Lead mass added to rudder horn of glider
 Balancing Controls
A control surface has balance about its
centre of gravity without airflow over it
Improper weight distribution can cause
flutter
Static balance must be checked when
control surface is repainted
 Confirmation
Draw and label the three aircraft axis.
Which movement occurs around each axis?
Which control surface is used for each movement?
F-35B Hovering