Aviation Mechanic - General, Airframe, and Powerplant › I. General › Task J. Physics for Aviation

AM.I.J.K10

Knowledge

Primary and secondary aircraft flight controls.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe p. 2-1
Chapter 2: Aerodynamics, Aircraft Assembly, & Rigging › Basic Aerodynamics
relationships between how an aircraft performs in flight and its reaction to the forces acting on its structural parts. Understanding why aircraft are designed with particular types of primary and secondary control systems and why the surfaces must be aerodynamically…
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. 6-2
Chapter 6: Flight Controls › Flight Control Systems › Primary Flight Controls
Flight Control Systems Flight Controls Aircraft flight control systems consist of primary and secondary systems. The ailerons, elevator (or stabilator), and rudder constitute the primary control system and are required to control an aircraft safely during flight. Wing flaps, leading ... edge devices, spoilers, and trim systems constitute the secondary control system and improve the performance characteristics of the airplane or relieve the pilot of excessive control forces. Primary Flight Controls Aircraft control systems are carefully designed to provide adequate responsiveness…
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. 6-12
Chapter 6: Flight Controls › Autopilot
characteristics vary greatly between aircraft, it is essential that a pilot become familiar with the primary and secondary flight control systems of the aircraft being flown. The primary source of this information is the AFM or the POH. Various manufacturer…