Airplane Systems

Question 1

What are the four main control surfaces and what are their functions?

Answer 1

Elevators - control the movement of the airplane about its lateral axis. This motion is called pitch.
Ailerons - control the movement of the airplane about its longitudinal axis. This motion is called roll.
Rudder - controls movement of the airplane about its vertical axis. This motion is called yaw.
Trim Tabs - small adjustable hinged surfaces on the aileron, rudder, or elevator control surfaces.
(FAA-H-8083-3)

Question 2

What are flaps and what is their function?

Answer 2

The wing flaps are movable panels on the inboard trailing edges of the wings. They are hinged so that they may be extended downward into the flow of air beneath the wings to increase both lift and drag. Their purpose is to permit a slower airspeed and a steeper angle of descent during a landing approach. In some cases they can be used to shorten takeoff distance.
(FAA-H-8083-3)