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Q:

What keeps an airplane from rolling over?

A:

To help make turning easier, an airplane is usually less stable along its roll axis than along its pitch and yaw axes. Several factors help the pilot keep the wings level: the inclined mounting of the wings, the position of the wings above or below the fuselage, the swept-back shape of the wings, and the vertical stabilizer. As an airplane rolls, it tends to slip to the side, changing the direction of relative wind on the wings and tail. These design features help the pilot restore the airplane to its upright position.

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