How pilots control the aircraft
Flight controls move the aircraft around its three axes. Primary controls are ailerons (roll), elevators (pitch) and rudder (yaw). Secondary controls include flaps, slats, spoilers and trim.
Correct rigging and free movement of controls are critical to safety.
Primary and secondary controls
Ailerons
Control roll.
Elevator
Controls pitch.
Rudder
Controls yaw.
High-lift devices
Flaps and slats for take-off and landing.
Flight control maintenance
Engineers check cable tension, range of movement, rigging, play in hinges and actuators, and carry out operational tests after work.
- Cable tension checks
- Range of movement
- Rigging
- Duplicate inspection
Where you study flight controls
Basic aerodynamics (Module 8) explains why controls work; Module 11 or 13 covers the systems.
- Module 8
- Module 11 / 13
- Airframe lab
- Faculty guidance
Train at Redwings Aerotechnique, Bhopal
Redwings Aerotechnique is a DGCA-approved CAR-147 basic maintenance training organisation in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is part of Redwings Group, which also runs its own DGCA-approved CAR-145 maintenance, repair and overhaul organisation. This connection means students learn aircraft maintenance from people who work to real industry standards every day.
Students can choose the B1.1 (turbine aeroplanes), B1.2 (piston aeroplanes) or B2 (avionics) stream, or the dual programme AME + B.E. Classes follow the DGCA syllabus and are supported by an engine system lab, airframe system lab, electrical, radio navigation, instrument and battery workshops, a general workshop, audio-visual classrooms and a library. Teaching and counselling are available in Hindi and English.
Admission is through the Redwings Aerotechnique admission test, or by direct joining after an eligibility check. Merit scholarships are offered on the admission test score. Redwings students have recorded 100% results in DGCA module examinations across several sessions, and the first Redwings batch achieved 100% placement in airline and MRO jobs.
You are welcome to visit the Bhopal campus to see the labs and workshops, meet the faculty and talk to the admission team before you decide. Parents can join the counselling session too.
Visit or call us
- Pragyan Nursing College Campus, Abbas Nagar, Gondermau, Bypass Road, Gandhi Nagar, near R.G.P.V., Bhopal 462036
- +91 95891 97505
- +91 96855 57506
- redwingsaerotechnique@gmail.com
Why students choose Redwings
Why flight controls need special care
Flight controls let the pilot fly the aircraft. A mistake in rigging or connecting a control can have serious consequences, so maintenance on these systems is treated with extra care and checking.
Types of control systems
Simple aircraft use cables, pulleys and push-pull rods to link the cockpit controls to the surfaces. Larger aircraft add hydraulic actuators to move surfaces against heavy air loads, and many modern aircraft use fly-by-wire, where computers send electrical signals to actuators.
Secondary controls
Flaps and slats change the wing shape for take-off and landing, spoilers reduce lift and help braking, and trim systems reduce the force the pilot needs to hold.
Rigging and inspection
Engineers set cable tensions, check the range and direction of movement, inspect hinges, bearings and attachment points, and look for wear, corrosion and chafing.
Independent inspection
After work on flight controls, a second qualified person usually checks the work independently. This duplicate inspection catches errors such as reversed controls before the aircraft flies.
Learning it at Redwings
Module 8 explains how controls affect flight, and Modules 11 and 13 cover the systems. The airframe system lab supports hands-on learning.
Questions answered
Short, clear answers to the questions students and parents ask most. Still unsure about anything? Our admission team is happy to help.
What are primary flight controls?
Ailerons, elevator and rudder.
What is rigging?
Setting controls to the correct position and range.
Why are duplicate inspections done?
Flight controls are critical, so a second check confirms correct work.
Which module covers it?
Module 11 for B1 and 13 for B2.
Keep reading
Related pages and guides from Redwings.