A pilot, with the help of the three control surfaces: rudder, ailerons and elevator has the ability to control the three axis of the aircraft.
Pressing one of the pedals moves the RUDDER, this produces a yawing movement around the normal axis of the glider.
Moving the control stick sideways, wich operates the AILERONS, produces a rolling movement around the longitudinal axis.
Moving the control stick forward or backward operates the ELEVATOR. This produces a pitching motion around the lateral axis of the aircraft.
Place pointer over colored areas in the image beside to display the "control surface".
Click on arrows to see the "effects of control".
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FORCES ON A SAILPLANE IN A NORMAL GLIDE
FORCES ON A SAILPLANE IN A NORMAL GLIDE