|
An aircraft is controlled through the rotation about one of three axis or a combination of the three. These axis are perpendicular to each other and intersect at a single point. The point that theses axis intersect is called the center of gravity, which is the point where you could hang the aircraft and it would be balanced. Following are the three different axis.
Longitudinal Axis: The imaginary line that extends lengthwise through the fuselage, from nose to tail, is the longitudinal axis. Motion about the longitudinal axis is roll and is produced by movement of the ailerons located at the trailing edges of the wings.
Lateral Axis: The imaginary line which extends crosswise, wing tip to wing tip, is the lateral axis. Motion about the lateral axis is pitch and is produced by movement of the elevators at the rear of the horizontal tail assembly.
Vertical Axis: The imaginary line which passes vertically through the center of gravity is the vertical axis. Motion about the vertical axis is yaw and is produced by movement of the rudder located at the rear of the vertical tail assembly. |
