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AA.I.A.K12FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Knowledge

Flight controls–ailerons, elevator(s), rudder(s), control tabs, control boost/augmentat...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Flight controls–ailerons, elevator(s), rudder(s), control tabs, control boost/augmentation systems, flaps, spoilers, leading edge devices, speed brakes, stability augmentation system (e.g., yaw damper), and trim systems.

Bottom line

The primary flight controls maneuver the aircraft about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes and include the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Secondary or auxiliary flight controls include tabs, leading edge flaps, trailing edge flaps, spoilers, and slats. Trim systems relieve the pilot of the need to maintain constant pressure on the flight controls.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Flight controls–ailerons, elevator(s), rudder(s), control tabs, control boost/augmentat...
NumberWhat it means
2 cables: one down, one upElevator cables
2 sets on some jet transportsAileron sets

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-49) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. PHAK ch. 6 (p. 6-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AFH ch. 18 (p. 18-11) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AFH Glossary (p. G-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. SEA ch. 4 (p. 4-10) — FAA-H-8083-23
  6. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-21) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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