AFOQT Practice Test

What control surface is primarily responsible for lateral movement in an aircraft?

1. Elevators

2. Ailerons

3. Rudder

4. Flaps

The correct answer is: Ailerons

The correct choice highlights that ailerons are the primary control surface responsible for lateral movement in an aircraft. When the aircraft is in flight, ailerons are situated on the outer sections of the wings. They work in opposition to each other; when one aileron is deflected upwards, the other moves downwards. This movement alters the airflow over the wings, causing one wing to generate more lift than the other. As a result, the aircraft banks in the direction of the lowered aileron, allowing for lateral movement or turning. Lateral movement is crucial for executing turns and maintaining coordinated flight. While other control surfaces, such as elevators and flaps, play significant roles in pitch control and modifying lift respectively, they do not directly contribute to lateral movement. The rudder, while also involved in controlling yaw and improving coordination during turns, primarily affects movement around the vertical axis rather than lateral motion. Thus, ailerons are the definitive answer to this question regarding lateral movement in an aircraft.