Tutor Platform
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.

Sign in to generate a study note

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 1: Introduction to the Helicopter › Controlling Flight › Throttle

    Throttle Helicopter rotors are designed to operate at a specific rpm. Figure 1-11. The throttle control mounted at the end of the collective control. The throttle controls the power produced by the engine, which is connected to the rotor ... maintain enough engine power to keep the rotor rpm within allowable limits to produce enough lift for flight. In single-engine helicopters, if so equipped, the throttle control is typically a twist grip mounted on the collective control…

  • Chapter 9: Techniques of Flight Instruction › Positive Exchange of Flight Controls › Procedure

    Procedure During flight training, there should always be a clear understanding between learners and flight instructors about who has control of the aircraft. The preflight briefing should include procedures for the exchange of flight controls. A positive three-step process ... exchange of flight controls between pilots is a proven procedure and one that is strongly recommended. When an instructor is teaching a maneuver to a learner, the instructor normally demonstrates the maneuver first, then has the learner follow along…

  • Chapter 9: Techniques of Flight Instruction › Postflight Evaluation › First Solo Flight

    First Solo Flight During the learner’s first solo flight, the instructor needs to be present to assist in answering questions or resolving any issues that arise during the flight. To ensure the solo flight is a positive, confidence-building ... experience for the learner, the flight instructor needs to consider time of day when scheduling the flight. Time of day is a factor in traffic congestion, possible winds, sun angles, and reflection. If possible, the flight instructor needs access…

  • 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 2: Aerodynamics of Flight › Sideward Flight

    Sideward Flight In sideward flight, the tip-path plane is tilted in the direction that flight is desired. This tilts the total lift-thrust vector sideward. In this case, the vertical or lift component is still straight up and weight ... horizontal or thrust component now acts sideward with drag acting to the opposite side. [Figure 2-42] Sideward flight can be a very unstable condition due to the parasitic drag of the fuselage combined with the lack of horizontal stabilizer…