flight

Introduction

CE5

Aircraft motions and control surfaces: Yaw, or motion to the left or right, is controlled by the rudder. Pitch, or climbing or dropping, is controlled by the elevators, which move in the same direction, both up or both down. Roll, or lifting of one wing and dropping of the other, is controlled by the ailerons, which move in opposite directions, one up and the other down.

flight, sustained, self-powered motion through the air, as accomplished by an animal, aircraft, or rocket.

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The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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