What is Airplane’s Lateral Axis?
Lateral axis of an airplane is an imaginary line that extends crosswise from wingtip to wingtip. The movement of the airplane around this axis is known as “pitch” and is controlled by the movement of elevators. This makes the nose move up and down. To control the elevators, the pilot pushes forward or pulls on the control wheel or stick. The elevator then deflects downward or upward. When the elevator deflects downward, it increases the lift on the tail. And when it deflects upward, it decreases the lift. An increase in the lift of the tail would mean a downward movement of the nose, while a decrease in the lift of the tail would mean an upward movement of the nose.
