Definition
The mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or fly-by-wire arrangements that connect a pilot's cockpit inputs to the aerodynamic surfaces and devices that control an aircraft's attitude, flight path, and aerodynamic configuration. Primary flight controls (ailerons, elevator or stabilator, and rudder) govern roll, pitch, and yaw. Secondary flight controls (such as flaps, slats, spoilers, and trim systems) refine or modify the aircraft's handling, lift, and drag characteristics.
Plain English
The parts that translate the pilot's movements of the yoke, stick, rudder pedals, and trim into actual movement of the surfaces on the wings and tail that steer the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying how a pilot’s control inputs move parts of the aircraft during normal flying and during the preflight control check.
Derivation
‘Control’ comes from the Old French ‘contreroller,’ meaning to check or verify against a record. In aviation, the controls are what the pilot uses to keep the aircraft 'in check' — holding it on the intended attitude and path.
Why Pilots Care
Proper function of these systems determines whether the pilot can maintain control during normal flight and emergencies.
Intuition Check
Do not think of flight control systems as only the stick, wheel, or pedals in the cockpit. The term includes the whole path from the cockpit control to the aircraft parts that actually move.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight, the pilot moved the yoke and rudder pedals through their full range to confirm the flight control systems were free and correct.
Example Sentence 2
A hydraulic failure in the flight control systems required the use of manual reversion.