ATPL Principles of Flight - Control Exam
Latest Actual Questions with Expert-
Verified Solutions | 2026/2027
Pitching rotation around the lateral axis (and is
related to
longitudinal stability)
Rolling rotation around the longitudinal axis
Yawing rotation around the normal (vertical axis)
To pitch up back pressure on control column =
elevator moves
up + negative camber of tailplane/elevator
increases (to provide downforce)
Trimmable horizontal stabiliser requires stabiliser to produce more
(forward CG) downforce
therefore lower stabiliser AoA needed
Trimmable horizontal stabiliser less nose down pitching moment from the
(aft wing -
CG) stabiliser does not need to produce as
much down
force - so stabiliser leading edge higher
, In trim elevator will have no deflection in relation
to the
aerofoil
Positive Angle of Incidence stabiliser will give greater nose down
(Stabiliser) pitching
moments
Internal Balance flexible seal - uses pressure differentials
within a
sealed cavity forward of the hinge line
Horn balance part of control surface located ahead of
the hinge
line to protrude in the airflow
Balance tab deflect in opposite direction to main
control
Anti-balance tab deflect in same direction to main control,
for light
control forces to increase control forces
Trim tab Once set a trim tab does not change its
position
relative to the control surface when that
surface
moves
Latest Actual Questions with Expert-
Verified Solutions | 2026/2027
Pitching rotation around the lateral axis (and is
related to
longitudinal stability)
Rolling rotation around the longitudinal axis
Yawing rotation around the normal (vertical axis)
To pitch up back pressure on control column =
elevator moves
up + negative camber of tailplane/elevator
increases (to provide downforce)
Trimmable horizontal stabiliser requires stabiliser to produce more
(forward CG) downforce
therefore lower stabiliser AoA needed
Trimmable horizontal stabiliser less nose down pitching moment from the
(aft wing -
CG) stabiliser does not need to produce as
much down
force - so stabiliser leading edge higher
, In trim elevator will have no deflection in relation
to the
aerofoil
Positive Angle of Incidence stabiliser will give greater nose down
(Stabiliser) pitching
moments
Internal Balance flexible seal - uses pressure differentials
within a
sealed cavity forward of the hinge line
Horn balance part of control surface located ahead of
the hinge
line to protrude in the airflow
Balance tab deflect in opposite direction to main
control
Anti-balance tab deflect in same direction to main control,
for light
control forces to increase control forces
Trim tab Once set a trim tab does not change its
position
relative to the control surface when that
surface
moves
