Roll

Definition of Roll in Aviation

Roll refers to the motion of an aircraft around its longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis is an imaginary line that runs from the aircraft’s nose to its tail, and is aligned with the direction in which the aircraft is flying.

When an aircraft rolls, it pivots around this axis, causing one wing to rise while the other falls. This rolling motion is controlled by the wing ailerons, which are movable control surfaces located near the trailing edge of each wing. The ailerons can be raised or lowered in opposite directions to create lift on one wing and reduce lift on the other, causing the aircraft to roll.

Roll plays a critical role in aviation, as it is necessary for maneuvering and turning an aircraft. Pilots use the roll control to bank the aircraft to the left or right, which enables them to make turns and change the aircraft’s direction of flight.

In general aviation, a typical turn involves a combination of roll and pitch maneuvers. When turning to the left, the pilot first rolls the aircraft to the left by lowering the left aileron and raising the right aileron. This causes the left wing to rise and the right wing to fall, initiating a bank to the left. The pilot then adds pitch by pulling back on the yoke or control stick, which causes the nose of the aircraft to rise, and turns the aircraft in the desired direction.

In summary, roll is a fundamental motion in aviation that involves the rotation of an aircraft around its longitudinal axis. It is essential for controlling the aircraft’s direction and is a critical maneuver for pilots during takeoff, landing, and turning.