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Axes of an
aircraft are axes of rotation of aircraft. They are the axes about which an
aircraft rotates and thus make the necessary manoeuvres. These axes form the
basis of our understanding of aircraft movements. Basic aircraft movements like
pitch, roll and yaw take place along these axes.
1. Longitudinal axis
It is a
straight line running fore and aft of an aircraft through the centre of
gravity. The movement about the longitudinal axis is known as roll
movement. Roll movement is caused by the differential movements of ailerons. The
up going aileron causes decrease in lift and the down going aileron causes
increase in lift. The roll movement is carried out by sideways movement of
control sticks.
2. Normal axis
It is a
straight line passing through the centre of gravity and is at
right angle to longitudinal axis. The movement about the normal
axis is known as yaw movement. Yaw movement is caused by the movements of
rudder. When the rudder moves to the right, the aircraft moves to the right and
vice versa when rudder moves to the left. The yaw movement is carried out by
the rudder pedals.
3. Lateral axis
It is a
straight line passing through the centre of gravity at right
angle to both longitudinal and normal axes. The movement about
the lateral axis is known as pitch movement. Pitch movement is caused by the
movement of elevators. When the elevators move up the aircraft moves up and
vice versa when the elevators move down. The pitch movement is carried out by
the forward and aft movements of control stick.
WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO TO KNOW ABOUT AXES OF AN AIRCARFT:
Axes
of aircraft gives us a basic understanding of the aircraft movement along the
various axes. It help us to understand how the various aircraft movements are
executed.
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