Definition
In attitude instrument flying, the role assigned to a flight control to produce a specific change in the aircraft's flight path or performance. The elevator controls pitch, the ailerons control bank, the rudder controls yaw, and the throttle controls power. Each control has a defined function, and the pilot uses them in coordination to achieve and maintain the desired attitude.
Plain English
What each flight control is used for. The yoke or stick handles pitch and bank, the rudder pedals handle yaw, and the throttle handles power. Each one has its own job.
Context Anchor
Seen in attitude instrument flying, especially when learning how to separate control instruments from performance instruments during an instrument scan.
Derivation
Control comes from an older sense of checking or directing something. Function means the job something performs. Together, control function means the job of directing the airplane, not just observing the result afterward.
Why Pilots Care
Assigning instruments to the correct control function lets you quickly detect and correct deviations without fixating on any single gauge.
Intuition Check
Do not read control function as a general idea like “being in control.” In this FAA context, it means the specific instrument-flying job of setting pitch, bank, and power using the control instruments.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reviewed each control function before the student began practicing attitude instrument flying.
Example Sentence 2
When leveling off, the altimeter becomes primary for the pitch control function while the airspeed indicator supports the power control function.