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Q:

How do hydraulics help to control an aircraft?

A:

Hydraulics are like an extra set of muscles that help the pilots fly the plane. The pilot moving the control yoke by himself does not have enough strength to move the surfaces that control the plane’s flight. The hydraulic system has fluid inside that pushes against tabs, which then force the control surfaces to move. The different positions of the pistons can move the control surfaces up, down, left, or right. The landing gear flaps and brakes are also powered by a hydraulic system.

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