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Control
surfaces are the moveable outer surfaces of an airplane. These surfaces
control the flow of air over the various sections of the aircraft causing it
to move in different ways. Inside the airplane, pilots control the movement
of the surfaces with their hands or feet by pushing, pulling or turning the
controls to make the airplane move in the proper manner.
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By learning the
names and functions of the various surfaces, you will appreciate the
construction, design, and aerodynamics of the airplane.
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AIRPLANE
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An airplane is
a vehicle heavier than air, powered by an engine, which travels through the
air by the reaction of air passing over its wings.
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FUSELAGE
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The fuselage is
the central body portion of an airplane, which accommodates the crew and
passengers or cargo.
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COCKPIT
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In general
aviation airplanes, the cockpit is usually the space in the fuselage for the
pilot and the passengers: in some aircraft it is just the pilot’s
compartment.
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LANDING GEAR
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The landing
gear, located underneath the airplane, supports it while on the ground.
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WINGS
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Wings are the
parts of airplanes which provide lift and support the entire weight of the
aircraft and its contents while in flight.
The cross-section of the wing is an airfoil.
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PROPELLER
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A propeller is
a rotating blade located on the front of the airplane. The engine turns the
propeller which most often pulls the airplane through the air, The propeller is also an airfoil.
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FLAPS
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Flaps are the
movable sections of an airplane’s wings closest to the fuselage. They are
moved in the same direction (down) and enable the airplane to fly more
slowly. By lowering the flaps, the
pilot is increasing the camber of the wing which increases the distance air
must travel over the top of the wing.
This produces more lift which allows the aircraft to fly at lower
speeds. This is desirable for
landings.
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AILERONS
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Ailerons are
the outward movable sections of an airplane’s wings which move in opposite
directions (one up, one down). They are used in making turns. The movement of the ailerons also changes
the camber of the wing at the outer edges.
Since the move in opposite directions, one wingtip produces more lift
while the opposite wingtip produces less lift. This imbalance causes the aircraft to bank.
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RUDDER
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The rudder is
the movable vertical section of the tail which controls lateral movement.
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HORIZONTAL
STABILIZER
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The horizontal
stabilizer is the horizontal surface of the aft part of the fuselage used to
balance the airplane. It is an upside
down airfoil which exerts a downward force to compensate for the nose heavy
configuration of most aircraft.
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ELEVATOR
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The elevator is
the movable horizontal section of the tail which causes the plane to move up
and down.
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