Effects of Controls
Learn the effects of the primary flight controls when operated independently in flight. This exercise is the foundation of learning to control the aircraft — lessons you learn here will prove invaluable at every stage of your training.
Key Takeaways
Primary Controls — Initial Effects
| Control | Input | Initial Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator | Control column forward/back | Pitch (nose down/up) |
| Ailerons | Control column left/right | Roll (bank left/right) |
| Rudder | Rudder pedals left/right | Yaw (nose left/right) |
Further Effects
| Control | Initial Effect | Further Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Roll | Yaw (toward lower wing) |
| Rudder | Yaw | Roll (in same direction as yaw) |
Power Effects
| Power Change | Pitch Effect | Yaw Effect (clockwise prop) |
|---|---|---|
| Increase | Nose up | Yaw left |
| Decrease | Nose down | Yaw right |
Critical Points to Remember
- Yaw and roll are interrelated — a change in one will produce a change in the other.
- Control effectiveness varies with airspeed — fast = more effective, slow = less effective.
- Trim relieves control pressure — set the attitude first, then trim. Never use trim to fly the airplane.
- Flaps operate within the white arc only — never exceed VFE with flaps extended.
- Check carburetor heat regularly — approximately every 10 minutes during flight.
- Lookout is continuous — always scan outside the aircraft.
What's Next
In the next lesson — Taxiing — you will learn how to maneuver the aircraft safely on the ground, including pre-taxi checks, control of direction, and ATC ground procedures.
Before that lesson, review this material once more within 24 hours of your flight to reinforce the key concepts.
Simulator Tip
Schedule a follow-up AATD session at Aviator.NYC to reinforce these control effects. Repetition in the simulator builds muscle memory and deepens your understanding of each control input and its effect.
These lesson plans are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.