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:

• The article clarifies that an airplane's "turn" refers to moving in a curved flight path, not just changing heading, and this is primarily achieved through pitch control.
• The actual turning motion is generated by the downward force of the horizontal stabilizer (controlled by the elevator/stabilator). When the airplane is banked, this force, applied horizontally, pushes the tail away from the intended turn direction, thereby pushing the nose into the turn.
• Contrary to common belief, the main wings' lift does not directly turn the airplane; instead, its lift vector (aft of the center of gravity) tends to push the nose down and away from the intended turn.
• Ailerons enable banking, allowing the horizontal stabilizer's force to be applied horizontally, while rudders are for correcting adverse yaw and should not be used to initiate or speed up a banked turn due to safety risks.

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