“You have to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time,’ my instructor told me on my first flying lesson. His point was well take. Flying a plane requires excellent coordination because there are several things that must be done at the same time, and the pilot must be able to correctly synchronize the four controls in order to fly the plane safely. In a typical 3-axis airplane, the four controls govern pitch, roll, yaw and throttle.
Flight training begins on the ground. The student pilot must first concentrate on forward motion and throttle control, and by simply taxiing around the airfield, he can become accustomed to the amount of power needed to drive the plane forward. The throttle lever is usually neatly placed for the pilot’s left hand forward for more power and back for less power. The foot pedals operate the rudder, but on the ground they can be used to steer the aircraft left and right. In the air, this left and right motion is referred to as yaw as the plane rotates on its perpendicular axis, but when driving around the airfield it can be compared to simple steering, like driving a car. The mind can handle the throttle and steering, and before long, the student pilot can begin to think about the other two controls.
Pitch and roll are controlled by the joystick. This may be placed to the right or between the knees for easy access. In either case, pulling back on the stick will operate the elevator which causes the nose to rise. Take off requires full power so that even a modest pull on the joystick will bring the nose up and the aircraft heads for cool blue yonder. As the plane rises to the desired altitude, power is gently reduced, and the joystick is gradually returned to its neutral position. The aircraft should fly steadily along at half throttle.
Sooner or later, the pilot will need to change direction, and a skilful coordination of roll and yaw will be required. The left and right movement of the joystick will control the aircraft’s roll which in itself will initiate a turn. Before entering a left turn, for example, the pilot will bank the plane to the left with a smooth and gentle movement of the stick and then initiate a full turning motion with left rudder. Student pilots will need to practice this manoeuvre many times before they feel comfortable with it, but before too long they will feel quite accomplished, and they will be eager to fly around the countryside at every opportunity.
Landing the aircraft is the most difficult skill to learn. All four controls are needed and they must be coordinated correctly to avoid a disastrous landing, especially if there is any significant wind. In the event of a cross wind on the runway, it is necessary to use opposite controls on roll and yaw. That is, left bank on the stick may have to be balanced by right rudder or visa versa. This takes many hours of practice, but for most pilots, the day comes when all of these controls seem to fall into place, and flying and landing manoeuvres come automatically. Walking and chewing gum at the same time finally becomes a breeze so to speak!
