Posted on March 25, 2021 David Sherman
While flying an aircraft, it is important that pilots are provided with ample control over the various axes of the vehicle for the means of changing its orientation and direction. When an aircraft moves across the lateral, longitudinal, and normal axes, it is known as pitch, roll, and yaw respectively. In order for the pilot to manipulate pitch, roll, and yaw at any point during flight, they utilize the primary control system which consists of movable control surfaces, cables, and rods that all link back to the cockpit.
With control surfaces known as elevators, ailerons, and rudders, all of which are placed on various areas of the aircraft assembly, pilots can efficiently maneuver the aircraft across any of the three axes. While the method of actuating control surfaces may vary with mechanical, hydraulic, and computerized systems all serving various aircraft, the control surfaces themselves often remain the same in construction and operation.
The elevator assembly of an aircraft is crucial for moving across the lateral axis, and they are often mounted upon the trailing edge of each half of the stabilizer. In order to adjust the pitch of the aircraft, pilots or the autopilot system will input a control to move the elevator up or down as necessary. Control is typically achieved by moving the control wheel forward or downward, and sufficient training will ensure that the pilot understands how aerodynamics are shifted when using the elevator.
The rudder assists in providing control over yaw, and they are movable surfaces mounted to the trailing edge of either the vertical stabilizer or fin. With rudder pedals provided to the pilot within the aircraft cockpit, they can adjust the rudder as necessary for overcoming adverse yaw. Unlike some other control surfaces, the rudder is not used to turn the aircraft. As aircraft have a tendency to turn during standard operations, pilots may need to consistently operate the rudders throughout a flight to maintain a set path.
Aileron assemblies are hinged flight control surfaces that are most often placed on the trailing edge of wings. Operated as a pair, aileron assemblies permit the aircraft to roll across the longitudinal axis. As a method that allows aircraft to bank, one aileron is raised while the other is lowered during actuation. By raising an aileron into the airstream, the angle of attack is increased alongside lift on one side of the assembly so that rolling is achieved. Aileron operation also causes varying forms of drag at different speeds, thus pilots will need to counteract unwanted forces during their use.
As the primary flight control surfaces are regularly operated throughout the duration of a standard flight, all pilots must be very familiar with their operation and how they may be used. Pilots should also familiarize themselves with the numerous secondary control surfaces also available to them, further aiding them in maintaining safe and efficient flight operations. As flight control surfaces are subject to numerous stressors, forces, and other factors that can cause their wear and tear over time, operators should be adamant about upholding regular maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts as necessary.
When it comes time to begin sourcing the flight control surfaces and other related parts that you require for your operations, look no further than ASAP Supply Chain. As a premier purchasing platform and online distributor of aircraft parts, we can provide customers with competitive quotes for all items that we offer for their comparison. With our upholding of strict quality control standards and export compliance practices, we proudly operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. Get started on the part procurement process today and see why customers choose to rely on ASAP Supply Chain for all their aviation needs.
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