Copyright© Robert Spencer & Michael Musgrove 1997
1. Wings
The aerofoils that provide the main 'lifting force' required for flight.
The faster the air flows over them the stronger the 'lifting force'.
AEROFOIL: a specially curved-shaped part of the aircraft, such as the wing,
designed to create a lifting force used for flight. The WINGS, STABILISERS,
RUDDER, ELEVATOR and PROPELLERS are all types of aerofoils.
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2. Fuselage
The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft, which forms the structure
to which the WINGS and EMPENNAGE are attached. The FLIGHT DECK and
the PASSENGER CABIN are contained in the FUSELAGE.
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3. Empennage
This is the 'tail' of the aircraft, consisting of the VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL
STABILISERS, RUDDER & ELEVATOR.
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4. Vertical Stabiliser
The 'fin' of the aircraft's EMPENNAGE which helps to keep the aircraft
directionally straight. The RUDDER is attached to it.
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5. Rudder
The rudder is the control that assists in turning on the ground and in
the air. The pilot operates this by using foot movements on the rudder
pedals.
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6. Horizontal Stabiliser
This part of the EMPENNAGE keeps the aircraft stable in level, climbing
and descending flight. The ELEVATOR is attached to it.
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7. Elevator
The pilot operates this with the control stick and controls the pitching
attitude of the aircraft in climbing and descending and controlling the
aircraft's speed in the air.
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8. Ailerons
The ailerons are near the wing tips and are used to roll or 'turn' the
aircraft in the air.
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9. Struts
Used to strengthen the attachments of parts of the aircraft to each other.
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10. Flaps
Used to slow the aircraft down and to increase the 'lift force'.
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11. Piston Engine
A fuel powered engine similar to those used in land vehicles.
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12. Propeller
The propeller blades are turned by the ENGINE and this rotation creates
a 'lift force' which propels the aircraft forward.
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13. Trim Wheel
Used by the pilot to establish the aircraft in a climb; descent or level
flight and also reduces the pilot's work load on the control stick.
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14. Control Column
The pilot operates the flight controls with this and consists of the Control
Stick & Control Wheel.
The Control Stick controls the elevators. When the pilot pulls
the stick towards him the aircraft's nose pitches towards the pilot and
the speed decreases; when it is moved away from the pilot, the nose pitches
away from the pilot and the speed increases.
The Control Wheel controls the ailerons and when the pilot rotates the
wheel to the left or right the aircraft rolls, or turns, left or right.
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