Controls and the three axes
⏱ 12 min
An aircraft moves around three axes that all pass through the centre of gravity:
| Axis | Movement | Control surface | Cockpit control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal (nose to tail) | Roll | Ailerons | Control column / yoke left–right |
| Lateral (wingtip to wingtip) | Pitch | Elevator | Control column forward–back |
| Normal / vertical | Yaw | Rudder | Rudder pedals |
The ailerons move in opposite directions: the aileron that goes down increases lift on that wing, so it rises. To turn, the pilot banks with the ailerons and uses a little rudder to keep the turn balanced ("coordinated"). Pulling back on the column raises the elevator, the tail goes down and the nose pitches up.
Trim tabs are small surfaces that hold a control in position so the pilot does not need to keep pressure on the controls.