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Ask an Explainer

Q:

Whats the purpose of ailerons?

A:

Ailerons are used to create the motion of roll for an aircraft. Roll is one of three ways of controlling airplanes. It allows the pilot to "roll" the plane to the left or right. Planes usually have two ailerons, one on each wing. By turning an aileron one direction, and the opposite aileron the opposite direction, this will create roll in one direction.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on May 23, 2016 at 1:47 am
Categories:
Flight Dynamics
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