Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

At first glance, ailerons look like ordinary hinged panels on the wings, but don’t be fooledthey’re important for keeping an aircraft both stable and maneuverable. But theres much more to ailerons than just rolling left or right. Or how do modern airplanes reduce dangerous effects like aileron flutter or adverse yaw?

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Pilot Institute

APRIL 12, 2025

The complication with helicopters is that the main rotor is driven by an engine that applies a twisting force (torque) to spin it. This is called torque reaction, and if its left unchecked, the helicopter fuselage will spin in the opposite direction of the main rotor. These rotors create equal and opposite torques that cancel out.

Lift 52

Lift Torque Thrust Aileron 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Another advantage of the counter-rotating props is the elimination of torque roll. This is the tendency to dig in the left tip float during takeoff while countering engine torque. The wing’s dead-smooth surface plus the tight-fitting aileron and flap brackets plus aileron gap seals give the build a professional factory look (left).

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77