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Parts Of An Airplane - Level 1

Control surfaces are the moveable outer surfaces of an airplane. These surfaces control the flow of air over the various sections of the aircraft causing it to move in different ways. Inside the airplane, pilots control the movement of the surfaces with their hands or feet by pushing, pulling or turning the controls to make the airplane move in the proper manner.

By learning the names and functions of the various surfaces, you will appreciate the construction, design, and aerodynamics of the airplane.

Press to see Animation on parts of an airplane.

To see an exploded view of a Beechcraft Skipper press here.

AIRPLANE	An airplane is a vehicle heavier than air, powered by an engine, which travels through the air by the reaction of air passing over its wings.

FUSELAGE	The fuselage is the central body portion of an airplane which accommodates the crew and passengers or cargo.

COCKPIT	In general aviation airplanes, the cockpit is usually the space in the fuselage for the pilot and the passengers: in some aircrafts it is just the pilot's compartment.

LANDING GEAR	The landing gear, located underneath the airplane, supports it while on the ground.

WINGS	Wings are the parts of airplanes which provide lift and support the entire weight of the aircraft and its contents while in flight. see the following experiments: Experiment 1 - Airfoil Experiment 2 - Airfoil Experiment 3 - Airfoil

PROPELLER	A propeller is a rotating blade located on the front of the airplane. The engine turns the propeller which most often pulls the airplane through the air. See the following experiments: Experiment 4 - Propeller Experiment 5 - Propeller

FLAPS	Flaps are the movable sections of an airplane's wings closest to the fuselage. They are moved in the same direction (down) and enable the airplane to fly more slowly.

AILERONS	Ailerons are the outward movable sections of an airplane's wings which move in opposite directions (one up, one down). They are used in making turns.

RUDDER	The rudder is the movable vertical section of the tail which controls lateral movement.

HORIZONTAL STABILIZER	The horizontal stabilizer is the horizontal surface of the aft part of the fuselage used to balance the airplane.

ELEVATOR	The elevator is the movable horizontal section of the tail which causes the plane to move up and down.

Funded in part by

From
Raytheon Aviation
Educational Materials

Updated: February 23, 1999