2.8. AILERONS AND FLAPS
Figure 2.8 illustrates both ailerons and flaps. The aileron is the surface control mounted on the
trailing edge near the wing tip that allows the pilot to change the angle of bank as desired.
The flaps are mounted inboard of the ailerons and are probably the most used lift device in service.
They increase the lift capability of the airfoil to the maximum attainable. This means that an aircraft can
become or remain airborne at lower speeds with flaps extended. They also permit a shorter ground run
on landing when used as airbrakes.
When the flaps are extended, the curvature (camber) of the wing is increased. On a high lift aircraft,
the ailerons are interconnected to the flaps. In this arrangement, as the flaps are extended, the ailerons
droop to add more lift and better control response at slower speeds. Flaps and ailerons are shown in
figure 2.8.
Figure 2.8. Parts of a Fixed Wing Aircraft
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