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Ask an Explainer

Q:

What is an aileron?

A:

An aileron is a flap on the trailing edge of the wing which can be lifted up or down to help the airplane roll. When the left wing's aileron is up, the right one will be down, and vice versa. This will increase lift on one side, and drag on the other, making one wing rise and other fall, so the plane can turn from side to side.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 3:56 pm
Categories:
Forces of Flight
Flight Dynamics
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