The three axes
Roll about the longitudinal axis, pitch about the lateral axis, yaw about the vertical axis. Every manoeuvre is a combination of these three rotations plus a power change.
Coordination
Rolling with ailerons produces adverse yaw because the rising wing also generates more drag. Rudder input in the direction of turn cancels it. The slip-skid indicator ball tells you whether the turn is coordinated.
Trim
Trim relieves control pressure so the aircraft holds an attitude hands-off. Correct technique is attitude first, then trim — trim is not a way to change attitude.
Key points
- Turning is a roll to establish bank, then elevator to hold the nose up.
- Rudder counteracts adverse yaw; the ball shows coordination.
- Trim removes control force, it does not fly the aircraft for you.
Knowledge check