Definition
The system of movable surfaces and the cockpit devices that operate them, used by the pilot to control the airplane's attitude and flight path. Primary flight controls (ailerons, elevator, and rudder) control the airplane about its three axes — roll, pitch, and yaw. Secondary flight controls (such as flaps, trim systems, and spoilers) refine handling, reduce pilot workload, or change the airplane's performance characteristics.
Plain English
The parts of the airplane the pilot moves to make it turn, climb, descend, or stay steady — and the controls in the cockpit (like the yoke or stick, rudder pedals, and trim wheel) that move them.
Context Anchor
You encounter this term early in airplane familiarization, preflight checks, and the first lessons where you learn what the yoke or stick and pedals do.
Why Pilots Care
They are the direct means by which the pilot controls the airplane's path and orientation in the air.
Intuition Check
Do not read “controls” here as rules, limits, or general management. In this aviation use, flight controls are the actual controls and moving airplane parts used to direct the airplane.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight walk-around, the pilot checks each of the flight controls for free and correct movement.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight inspection the pilot checked that all flight controls moved freely and in the correct direction.