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CP.IX.A.S2

Skill

Use flight controls in the proper combination and aircraft configuration as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.

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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.

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From the FAA library

  • 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…

  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Performance › Straight-and-Level Flight

    Straight-and-Level Flight All of the principal components of flight performance involve steady-state flight conditions and equilibrium of the aircraft. For the aircraft to remain in steady, level flight, equilibrium must be obtained by a lift equal ... aircraft weight and a powerplant thrust equal to the aircraft drag. Thus, the aircraft drag defines the thrust required to maintain steady, level flight. As presented in Chapter 4, Aerodynamics of Flight, all parts of an aircraft contribute…

  • Chapter 6: Flight Controls

    addition, in some large and fast aircraft, controls are boosted by hydraulically or electrically actuated systems. In both the fly-by-wire and boosted controls, the feel of the control reaction is fed back to the pilot by simulated means ... Current research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center involves Intelligent Flight Control Systems (IFCS). The goal of this project is to develop an adaptive neural network-based flight control system. Applied directly to flight…

  • Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight › Aerodynamic Forces in Flight Maneuvers › Forces in Descents

    Figure 5-36. Changes in lift during climb entry. The thrust required for a stabilized climb equals drag plus a percentage of weight dependent on the angle of climb. For example, a 10° climb would require thrust to equal drag ... plus 17 percent of weight. To climb straight up would require thrust to equal all of weight and drag. Therefore, the angle of climb for climb performance is dependent on the amount of excess thrust available to overcome a portion…

  • Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance › Takeoff and Landing Performance › Takeoff Performance

    landing distance as a function of the ratio of wind velocity to takeoff or landing speed. The effect of proper takeoff speed is especially important when runway lengths and takeoff distances are critical. The takeoff speeds specified in the AFM/POH ... generally the minimum safe speeds at which the aircraft can become airborne. Any attempt to take off below the recommended speed means that the aircraft could stall, be difficult to control, or have a very low initial ROC. In some…

  • Chapter 11: Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards › VFR Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions

    Trim – pick a heading known to be free of obstacles and maintain it. This will likely be the heading you were already on, which was planned and briefed. Set the heading bug, if installed, to avoid overcontrolling your bank. Maintain ... flight is achieved (items 1 through 5 above) and maintain a constant rate of turn appropriate to the selected airspeed. Each encounter with UIMC is unique, and no single procedure can ensure a safe outcome. Considerations in determining the best…