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.
Purpose
To learn the effects of the controls when operated independently in flight.
Airmanship
What is airmanship? Airmanship is the common-sense element of flying, but also the quality that differentiates a pilot from an airplane driver. More than anything else, airmanship is about awareness — being aware of what is happening inside and outside the aircraft. Airmanship is best learned by example. Watch your instructor and you will learn more about airmanship than any textbook can teach.
Handing Over / Taking Over Control
During your early flying lessons, control of the aircraft will be transferred between yourself and the instructor many times. It is essential to avoid confusion over who is actually flying the aircraft. Follow this set routine:
Control Transfer Procedure
When the instructor wants you to fly:
- Instructor says: "You have control"
- Student takes the control column in one hand, other hand on the throttle, feet on rudder pedals.
- Student says: "I have control"
When the instructor wants to take control back:
- Instructor says: "I have control"
- Student removes hands and feet from controls.
- Student says: "You have control"
This routine is used at all levels of aviation — from training flights to the cockpit of the largest airliners.
Following Through
When your instructor is demonstrating an exercise, they may ask you to "follow through." This means you should place your hands and feet lightly on the controls so you can feel the control movements your instructor makes — without moving the controls yourself.
Lookout
Develop the habit now of looking outside the aircraft as much as possible at all times. This will help you:
- Look out for other aircraft
- Maintain awareness of your location
- Monitor changing weather
- Make your flying smoother and easier
If you see another aircraft, point it out to your instructor immediately.
Simulator Practice
In the Aviator.NYC AATD simulator, you can safely practice all these control effects with zero risk. The simulator's G1000 NXi display provides the same instrument feedback you'll see in an actual aircraft. Focus on developing the feel for control inputs and their effects before transitioning to an airplane.
Flight Exercise Sequence
During the flight, your instructor will demonstrate each of the following. You will then practice each one yourself:
Initial Effects
- Elevator: Move the control column forward and back. Observe pitch changes.
- Aileron: Move the control column left and right. Observe roll.
- Rudder: Press left and right rudder pedals. Observe yaw.
Further Effects
- Further effect of aileron: Roll to a banked attitude, centralize ailerons, and observe the aircraft yaw toward the lower wing.
- Further effect of rudder: Apply sustained rudder and observe the resulting roll.
Other Effects
- Differing airspeed: Feel control effectiveness at different speeds.
- Propeller slipstream: Observe control feel changes with power changes.
- Differing power settings: Note pitch and yaw changes when power is added or reduced.
- Flaps: Observe pitch and airspeed changes when flaps are extended and retracted.
- Elevator trim: Practice trimming to relieve control pressure.
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.