Definition
A control input condition in which the ailerons and rudder are deflected in opposite directions relative to the turn — for example, left aileron held with right rudder. In a gliding turn, this typically appears when the pilot uses aileron to bank or hold the bank in one direction while applying rudder against the turn, producing uncoordinated flight and an increased risk of a stall/spin if the airplane is stalled in this condition.
Plain English
Cross-control means the stick and the rudder pedals are working against each other — you're banking one way while pressing the rudder the other way. The airplane ends up flying out of balance.
Context Anchor
Seen in gliding turns, slips, and turn coordination discussions, especially when the airplane is slow or close to the ground.
Derivation
‘Cross’ here means ‘opposing’ or ‘crossed over,’ as in two things working against each other. The controls are crossed because aileron and rudder are pushed in opposite directions instead of together.
Why Pilots Care
Cross-control inputs create a skid that can lead to an unintentional stall or spin.
Grounding Statement
In cross-control, the airplane is being asked to turn or lean one way while its nose is being pushed the other way.
Intuition Check
Cross-control does not mean simply using more than one control at the same time. It means using aileron and rudder in opposite directions.
Example Sentence 1
On the base-to-final turn, the instructor pointed out a cross-control input — left bank with right rudder — and had the student release the rudder pressure to re-coordinate the turn.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot avoided cross-control during the approach to keep the airplane coordinated.