Becoming a Private Pilot/Systems and Aircraft Components

In this segment we will cover the systems for a 1967 Cessna 150. We chose this aircraft because it is a fairly common training aircraft, and it has fairly simple systems. More complex aircraft require more study when it comes to systems.

Flight Control Surfaces

Elevator

The controllable surface, usually on the back of the horizontal stabilizer, which causes the airplane to pitch up or down when changes are made to the yoke or stick by pulling back or pushing in.

Ailerons

The small controllable surfaces, typically on the outside of the back of each wing which causes the airplane to roll when changes are made via turning the yoke or moving the stick stick left or right. Ailerons move in opposite directions, one moving up while the other moves down, in order to create a change in the longitudinal axis.

Rudder

The controllable surface, usually on the back of the vertical stabilizer, which steers the airplane left and right when changes are made via the rudder pedals.

Flaps

About the size and shape and inboard of the ailerons are the flaps. These change the shape of the wing and increase the wing's lift but at the same time adding to the drag. They are used when landing to slow the plane down without causing change the pitch. The flaps move in the same direction unlike the ailerons. They are in the neutral position when they are retracted or in the up position.