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 primary control enabling an airplane's curved flight path (a turn) is the pitch control (elevator/stabilator), which generates a downward force on the horizontal stabilizer.
• While ailerons initiate the bank, the actual turning motion is achieved when increased nose-up pitch causes the horizontal stabilizer's downward force to pivot the aircraft's nose into the turn around its center of gravity.
• Misunderstanding the true roles of flight controls, particularly the idea that ailerons or rudders directly turn the airplane, is a common and potentially dangerous misconception among pilots.

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