In this lesson, we will be discussing the various controls and instruments found in the cockpit of an aircraft. These controls and instruments are essential for a pilot to understand and utilize in order to safely and effectively operate the aircraft. Some of the key items we will cover include the yoke, flight stick, gear handle, flap handle, and switches. By the end of this lesson, you should have a good understanding of the function and importance of each of these items in the cockpit.
Yoke:
A yoke is a steering wheel-like device that is used to control the movement of the aircraft. It is typically located in front of the pilot and copilot seats and is used to control the pitch and roll of the aircraft.
- The yoke is used to raise or lower the nose of the aircraft, which is known as pitch control. This is accomplished by pulling or pushing on the yoke.
- The yoke is also used to roll the aircraft, which is accomplished by turning the yoke to the left or right. This is known as roll control.
- In addition to pitch and roll control, the yoke may also be used to control the rudder of the aircraft, which is the vertical stabilizer located on the tail of the aircraft. The rudder is used to steer the aircraft left or right during takeoff and landing, as well as in other situations where precise steering is required.
Flight Stick:
A flight stick is a control device that is similar to a yoke, but is typically found in military or advanced aviation training aircraft. It is used to control the pitch, roll, and yaw of the aircraft.
- The flight stick is used in much the same way as a yoke, with the pilot using the stick to control the pitch and roll of the aircraft.
- In addition to pitch and roll control, the flight stick is also used to control the yaw of the aircraft, which is the movement of the aircraft around its vertical axis. This is accomplished by moving the stick left or right.
- The flight stick may also have various buttons or switches that allow the pilot to control other functions of the aircraft, such as weapons systems or communication systems.
Gear Handle:
The gear handle is a lever located in the cockpit that is used to control the operation of the landing gear.
- The landing gear is the set of wheels or struts that allow the aircraft to land and take off from the ground.
- The gear handle is used to extend or retract the landing gear, depending on the phase of flight.
- During takeoff and landing, the landing gear is extended to provide a stable platform for the aircraft to rest on.
- During flight, the landing gear is typically retracted to reduce drag and improve the aircraft’s performance.
- The gear handle may also have various indicators, such as lights or gauges, to inform the pilot of the status of the landing gear.
Flap Handle:
The flap handle is a lever or switch located in the cockpit that is used to control the operation of the flaps.
- Flaps are movable sections of the wing that are used to increase lift and decrease the speed required for takeoff and landing.
- The flap handle is used to extend or retract the flaps, depending on the phase of flight.
- During takeoff and landing, the flaps are extended to provide additional lift and reduce the speed required for takeoff and landing.
- During flight, the flaps are typically retracted to reduce drag and improve the aircraft’s performance.
- The flap handle may also have various indicators, such as lights or gauges, to inform the pilot of the status of the flaps.
Switches:
Switches are found throughout the cockpit and are used to control various functions of the aircraft.
Some common switches found in the cockpit include:
- Fuel selector switches, which are used to select the fuel tank that is being used by the engine.
- Engine starter switches, which are used to start the aircraft’s engines.
- Navigational and communication radios, which are used to tune in to different frequencies for communication or navigation.
- Circuit breaker switches, which are used to reset or trip circuit breakers in the event of an electrical malfunction.
- Light switches, which are used to control the various lighting systems in the cockpit and cabin.
- Emergency switches, which are used to activate emergency equipment or procedures in the event of a crisis.
It is important for pilots to be familiar with the various switches and controls found in the cockpit, as they play a crucial role in the safe and effective operation of the aircraft. It is also important for pilots to know the proper procedures for using these controls and to follow them consistently to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.