CFI Airmen Certification Standards: Technical Subject Areas
Aircraft Flight Controls and Operation of Systems
Primary Flight Controls
The ailerons, elevator (or stabilator), and rudder constitute the primary control system and are required to control an aircraft safely during flight.
Ailerons control roll about the longitudinal axis. Moving the control wheel, or control stick, to the right causes the right aileron to deflect upward and the left aileron to deflect downward.
The elevator controls pitch about the lateral axis. The up-elevator position decreases the camber of the elevator and creates a downward aerodynamic force [6-10]. Conversely, the down-elevator position creates an upward force. The longitudinal axis pivots around the CG
A stabilator is a one-piece horizontal stabilizer that pivots from a central hinge point
The rudder controls movement around the vertical axis, known as yaw. When the rudder is deflected into the airflow, a horizontal force is exerted in the opposite direction
Secondary Flight Controls
Flaps increase both lift and induced drag for any given AOA. When extended, they increase the camber of the wing
Trim Controls
Trim systems relieve the pilot of the need to maintain constant pressure on the flight controls. Common types include trim tabs, balance tabs, antiservo tabs, ground adjustable tabs, and an adjustable stabilizer.
Primary Flight Controls, Secondary Flight Controls, and Trim Controls
The above extracts are taken from the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 6, "Flight Controls."
It seems unlikely that a DPE would spend much time in this area during a CFI oral exam, but CFI candidates should be prepared to reference this chapter if asked about various minutiae, which might include:
Three knowledge tests have questions on this subject matter (Private, Commercial, CFI), and CFI candidates have passed all three by the time they get to a DPE on a CFI checkride. This is an optional topic in the Technical Subject Areas.
But if your DPE owns an airplane with a V-tail or leading-edge devices, s/he might wander into a brief conversation. Have Chapter 6 of the PHAK ready for reference.
Airmen Certification Standards: Flight Instructor (Airplane)
Areas of Operation II. Technical Subject Areas
Task E: Aircraft Flight Controls and Operation of Systems
References
Objective: To determine the applicant understands flight controls and systems on the airplane provided for the flight test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge: The applicant demonstrates instructional knowledge by describing and explaining:
Risk Management: The applicant explains and teaches how to identify and manage risk associated with:
Skills: The applicant demonstrates and simultaneously explains how to:
Flight Instructor Test Questions
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Oral Exam Questions