Definition
A method of controlling an aircraft in which the pilot changes the aircraft's flight path by physically shifting their body weight relative to the wing, rather than by moving control surfaces such as ailerons, elevators, or a rudder. Used primarily in trikes and similar light sport aircraft that have a fixed, flexible wing mounted above a pilot carriage; the pilot pushes or pulls on a control bar attached to the wing to shift the center of gravity, which changes the wing's pitch and roll attitude.
Plain English
A way of flying where the pilot steers by leaning and shifting their body weight under the wing instead of moving flaps or rudders. Push the bar one way, your weight moves the other way, and the aircraft turns or pitches in response.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of weight-shift-control aircraft, such as many hang gliders and powered trikes, where the pilot uses a control bar to move weight relative to the wing.
Why Pilots Care
Allows simple, lightweight aircraft with fewer mechanical parts, making them easier to transport and maintain.
Analogy
Think of a hang glider with an engine and a seat. The wing flies steadily on its own, and the pilot tilts themselves under it to change direction — much like leaning a bicycle into a turn.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “control” here means moving normal airplane control surfaces. In this context, control comes mainly from shifting weight relative to the wing.
Example Sentence 1
To earn a sport pilot certificate in a weight-shift control aircraft, the student had to log training time specifically in a trike rather than in a conventional airplane.
Example Sentence 2
In gusty air the student corrected the trike with a quick weight shift rather than a control input.