Theory of Flight

6.02 Flight ControlsReferences:

FTGU pages 30-31

6.02 Flight Controls

• MTPs:– Axes of an Airplane– Movements– Function of the Controls– Flutter– Balancing Controls

Review

• Label the airplane!

Review

• What kind of construction are these?

Review

• How would you describe these aircraft?

Review

• What do the following terms mean?– Wingspan– Chord– Planform– Aspect Ratio– Angle of Incidence– Relative Airflow– Angle of Attack– Airfoil– Camber

Axes of an Airplane

Movements

Movements

• Roll – movement around longitudinal axis

• Pitch – movement around lateral axis

• Yaw – movement around vertical/normal axis

Function of the Controls

Ailerons cause movement around thelongitudinal axis

This movement is called roll.

Function of the Controls

• Ailerons are controlled using the control column

• Control column RIGHT = right wing down

• Control column LEFT = left wing down

Function of the Controls

The elevator controlsmovement about thelateral axis

This movement is called pitch.

Function of the Controls

• Elevators are controlled using the control column

• Control column FORWARD = nose down

• Control column BACK =nose up

Function of the Controls

• An alternative to the elevator is the stabilator– It is controlled the same way the elevator is– The entire horizontal stabilizer moves to act as an

elevator

Function of the Controls

The rudder controlsmovement around the vertical axis.

This movement is called yaw.

Function of the Controls

• The rudder is controlled using the

rudder pedals

Right rudder pedal = yaw right

Left rudder pedal = yaw left

Flutter

• What is flutter?

• Rolling or weaving motion arising from deflection of a part of the airplane structure that causes the air forces on it to change in synchronism with its natural period of vibration

• Control surfaces must be balanced properly to prevent flutter!

Balancing Controls

• Balancing control surfaces to help pilots move them

• Examples:– Inset hinge balance– Rudder horn– Aileron hinge axes

Balancing Controls

Balancing Controls

• Addition of mass (usually made of lead) to control surfaces to prevent flutter

• Example:– Lead mass added to rudder horn of glider

Balancing Controls

• A control surface has balance about it’s centre of gravity without airflow over it

• Improper weight distribution can cause flutter

• Static balance must be checked when control surface is repainted

Confirmation

• Draw and label the three aircraft axis.• Which movement occurs around each axis?• Which control surface is used for each movement?

F-35B Hovering