38 practice questions on Flight Controls & Stability with answers and explanations, plus the key concepts and formulas, from the TrueHeading question bank.
Use this page to revise Flight Controls & Stability for the DGCA Technical General paper. Below are the key ideas first, then 12 practice questions with answers and explanations, picked from the 38 questions in the TrueHeading bank for this topic.
In short: Roll (longitudinal axis): ailerons. Pitch (lateral axis): elevator. Yaw (vertical axis): rudder.
Open the full set in the student zone to answer every question, track your accuracy and take timed mock tests.
5 ideas to know cold.
Roll (longitudinal axis): ailerons. Pitch (lateral axis): elevator. Yaw (vertical axis): rudder.
Static stability: it returns toward the original attitude. Dynamic stability: the oscillation dies away.
Trim tab: relieves control force so the pilot can fly hands-off. Balance (anti-balance) tab: helps move or stabilises the surface.
Static: initial tendency to return after disturbance. Dynamic: how the motion develops with time (damped, neutral or divergent).
Slats and flaps increase camber and area to increase CL max and lower the stall speed.
Tap “Show answer” after you have tried each one.
Answer: B. ailerons, elevators and rudder
They control roll, pitch and yaw respectively.
Answer: B. lateral axis
Pitch is about the lateral axis.
Answer: B. yaw in the direction opposite to the roll
The down-going aileron produces more drag, yawing the nose away from the turn.
Answer: D. the leading edge of the up-going aileron projects into the airflow below the wing
It adds drag on the lowered wing to balance the drag of the other.
Answer: A. assists the pilot in moving the main control surface
The pilot moves the tab, and the aerodynamic force moves the surface.
Answer: A. in the same direction as the control surface
It increases control feel for an all-moving stabiliser.
Answer: C. the centre of gravity and the neutral point
Usually expressed as a % of the mean aerodynamic chord.
Answer: D. a dihedral effect (lateral stability)
Sweepback increases lateral stability; swept wings with anhedral are often used to compensate.
Answer: A. uses electrical signals to transmit pilot demands to the flight control computers and actuators
The computers also provide envelope protection.
Answer: A. mass balancing the control surfaces
Weights ahead of the hinge line keep the CG of the surface on or ahead of the hinge.
Answer: D. deploy on the wing going down to reduce lift
Raising the spoiler on the lowered wing reduces its lift and increases roll.
Answer: C. the horizontal stabiliser ahead of the main wing
The canard surface provides pitch control and may contribute lift.
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