aviation basics

vigeo · 11-15-2012, 08:43 PM

This question has to do with military aircraft.
Can anyone tell me what the instrument is called, and where it is located, that the jet pilot uses to gain or lose altitude?

alleycat · 11-15-2012, 08:59 PM

Are you talking about something like a fighter aircraft? The control stick controls the elevators. It's sometimes also called a center stick, side stick, or just plain stick.

Other jet aircraft use a yoke to do the same thing, such as with a military cargo planes.

vigeo · 11-15-2012, 09:17 PM

Any USAF or Navy fighter aircraft, but the F16 Falcon in particular. I have so far "control stick" in my story. Do military aircraft have the foot pedals for directional changes like the passenger airplanes?

Drachen Jager · 11-15-2012, 10:00 PM

It's the stick to the right of the seat. It controls pitch (nose up/down) and roll. Yes it has foot pedals.

http://falcon4.wikidot.com/avionics:cockpit

ClareGreen · 11-15-2012, 10:36 PM

Quick note: Instruments tell you things. Controls do things.

alleycat · 11-16-2012, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigeo

Any USAF or Navy fighter aircraft, but the F16 Falcon in particular. I have so far "control stick" in my story. Do military aircraft have the foot pedals for directional changes like the passenger airplanes?

Yes, to control the rudder(s) and also to steer the front wheel(s) when on the ground, however it's not like a boat where the rudder does basically determine the direction. It's more complicated in an aircraft since an airplane operates in a three-dimensional control environment; a pilot uses a combination of ailerons, rudder, and elevators (and possibly throttle) to execute a turn properly.

You might want to study the very basics of aircraft control. I'm sure you can find a short tutorial online (maybe even on YouTube).

And yes, I used to fly (single engine Cessnas for the most part).

Trebor1415 · 11-16-2012, 01:18 PM

The pilot may also need to change the throttle setting during a climb, depending on the initial speed and power settings. There may be other control inputs required as well, depending on the exact maneuvor performed.

Read these wiki pages for a quick tutorial on some of the basics.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraf...control_system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_control_surfaces

You may also find the wiki page on the F 16 helpful.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-16_Fighting_Falcon

vigeo · 11-18-2012, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the answers and the photos.

11-15-2012, 08:43 PM	#1
vigeo figuring it all out Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 56	aviation basics This question has to do with military aircraft. Can anyone tell me what the instrument is called, and where it is located, that the jet pilot uses to gain or lose altitude?

11-15-2012, 08:59 PM	#2
alleycat I am innocent of all charges. AW Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 51,535	Are you talking about something like a fighter aircraft? The control stick controls the elevators. It's sometimes also called a center stick, side stick, or just plain stick. Other jet aircraft use a yoke to do the same thing, such as with a military cargo planes. __________________ . Never look back unless you are planning to go that way. -Thoreau

11-15-2012, 09:17 PM	#3
vigeo figuring it all out Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 56	F16 Falcon Any USAF or Navy fighter aircraft, but the F16 Falcon in particular. I have so far "control stick" in my story. Do military aircraft have the foot pedals for directional changes like the passenger airplanes?

11-15-2012, 10:00 PM	#4
Drachen Jager Professor of applied misanthropy Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vancouver Posts: 10,400	It's the stick to the right of the seat. It controls pitch (nose up/down) and roll. Yes it has foot pedals. http://falcon4.wikidot.com/avionics:cockpit __________________ When people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they're almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they're almost always wrong.—Gaiman The story must strike a nerve—in me. My heart should start pounding when I hear the first line in my head. I start trembling at the risk.—Sontag Creativity is the residue of wasted time.—Einstein

11-15-2012, 10:36 PM	#5
ClareGreen Onwards, ever onwards Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: England Posts: 487	Quick note: Instruments tell you things. Controls do things. __________________ Weekend Warrior (Fantasy Division)

11-16-2012, 01:18 PM	#7
Trebor1415 practical experience, FTW Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 198	The pilot may also need to change the throttle setting during a climb, depending on the initial speed and power settings. There may be other control inputs required as well, depending on the exact maneuvor performed. Read these wiki pages for a quick tutorial on some of the basics. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraf...control_system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_control_surfaces You may also find the wiki page on the F 16 helpful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-16_Fighting_Falcon

11-18-2012, 07:13 PM	#8
vigeo figuring it all out Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 56	appreciate the help Thanks for the answers and the photos.

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