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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 it’s
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

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