Basic Aircraft Control
From FlightSim
This section is specifically for questions about controlling the aircraft, and/or how to fly.
- What are the basic flight controls? How do I use them?
- What is the simplest way to fly straight and level?
- What is "coordinated flight" and how do I use the rudder to achieve it?
- Why are many older aircraft more difficult to fly than newer ones, even in the air?
- What is a slip? How do I do one?
- How do I steer the Cessna 172 on the ground?
- What is trim? How do I use it?
- How Do Stick and Throttle control airspeed and altitude?
- How do I use the propeller and mixture controls?
- What are flaps for? When do you use them?
Ed: There is some very good information in the above questions and answers, and this information will probably serve you well for a general understanding. If you want more complete information, along with some excellent illustrations, you might wish to look at the FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 3, Basic Flight Maneuvers. Chapter 2, in the same linked PDF file, covers Ground Operations, including preflight inspection, engine starting and taxi.
In addition, for a very good understanding of "the art of flying" from a pilot's perspective, the book Stick And Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche is considered by many a must have. Stores such as Sporty's Pilot Shop will carry this and other essential aviation reading.
