Horizontal Lift

When discussing the concept of turning an airplane, there are at least two separate and completely different concepts. One is in the navigational sense of turning to a new course or heading. However, this article is concerned with another concept: moving the airplane in a curved flight path. Curving or bending the flight path changes the airplanes longitudinal axis orientation with respect to the earths surface. Of course, this occurs while moving through the air. This curving flight path is one of only two the airplane can make-the other, unsurprisingly, is straight.

Key Takeaways:

• Curving an airplane's flight path (e.g., turning) is primarily achieved by the pitch control (elevator/stabilator), which adjusts the downward force of the horizontal stabilizer, not by direct rudder or aileron input for the turn itself.
• When an airplane banks, applying nose-up pitch increases the downward force from the horizontal stabilizer/elevator. The horizontal component of this force pushes the tail away from the intended turn, rotating the nose into it.
• Ailerons are used to bank the aircraft, allowing the elevator's force to be applied horizontally, while rudders are for correcting adverse yaw and should not be used to initiate or speed up a turn, as such misuse can be dangerous.

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