Plain English Meaning

How far a control surface is moved from its resting position when the pilot moves the controls. The more it moves, the bigger the effect on the aircraft.

Full Definition

The movement of a flight control surface (such as an aileron, elevator, or rudder) away from its neutral position, which alters the airflow over the wing or tail and produces a change in the aircraft's attitude or flight path.

Context Anchor

Seen in aerodynamics explanations of , especially when the discusses ’s Third Law and how a affects the around it.