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 87

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 87

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Control Mechanisms Airplane Controls In airplanes, pilots manage flight using three primary controls: the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Ailerons, located on the wings, control roll by increasing lift on one wing while decreasing it on the other, allowing the aircraft to bank left or right.

Torque 52

Torque Lift Airplanes Stability 52

Northstar VFR

JULY 21, 2024

The pilot controls the throttle to create thrust. These are called left turning tendencies and include P-factor, spiraling slipstream, torque, and gyroscopic precession. A pilot might have to use more aileron inputs, especially if it’s bumpy and the aircraft is getting moved around. Just something to be aware of!

Rudder 52

Rudder Airplanes Pilot Stability 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 12, 2024

Stalling with a high-power setting takes more effort since there is thrust and a high-energy slipstream from the propeller, which prevents boundary layer separation. The lack of airflow over the ailerons results in a loss of control authority and mushy and ineffective controls. This applies to the elevator as well.

Stability 52

Stability Horizontal Stabilizer Lift Airplanes 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 79

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 79