What this system is
ATA 27 covers primary and secondary flight-control systems. Depending on the aircraft, control may be mechanical, hydraulic, electrically signalled, powered or a combination.
AIRCRAFT SYSTEM LEARNING
ATA 27 — Flight Controls
ATA 27 covers primary and secondary flight-control systems. Depending on the aircraft, control may be mechanical, hydraulic, electrically signalled, powered or a combination.
LEARNStart with system fundamentalsUse guided learning paths and beginner-friendly explanations.
SOLVEReview troubleshooting casesFind reported symptoms, findings, causes and verified outcomes.
ASKAsk a technical questionUse the community when indexed knowledge does not answer the problem.
UNDERSTANDLook up technical termsMove from unfamiliar terminology into connected learning.
ATA 27
Flight Controls
Primary and secondary flight-control systems.
78%Developing profileNeeds refresh
START LEARNINGStart with the system purpose and major component groups, then use the linked glossary, resources and videos before moving into aircraft-specific detail.
TROUBLESHOOT THIS SYSTEMDefine the reported symptom, confirm aircraft and configuration applicability, then follow current approved fault-isolation and maintenance data.
Why it exists
Allow controlled changes in aircraft attitude, lift and drag while maintaining stability and structural or flight-envelope protections where designed.
What belongs here
- Ailerons and spoilers
- Elevators or stabilators
- Rudder
- Flaps and slats
- Control columns, pedals or sidesticks
- Actuators and power-control units
- Flight-control computers
- Position sensors and feedback systems
What users may see
Surface-position indications, configuration displays, trim position, control-law or mode status, disagree messages and computer or actuator faults may be presented.
What technicians commonly evaluate
Rigging, free play, hydraulic or electrical power, sensor agreement, actuator leakage, control-surface condition, software/configuration and exact operational-test prerequisites require careful control.
AIRCRAFT APPLICABILITY
General ATA knowledge
General ATA knowledge is separated from aircraft-family and exact-variant information.
Choose an aircraft family to narrow resources, cases, questions and indexed applicability.
Choose aircraftCONNECTED KNOWLEDGE
Clear content filters4 useful next steps
Content is filtered by the selected ATA chapter and, where indexed, the aircraft and exact variant.
Related glossary terms
Browse all →INTERMEDIATEFly-by-wire
A flight-control architecture in which pilot commands are transmitted and processed electrically rather than solely through direct mechanical linkage.
BEGINNERAngle of attackThe angle between the local airflow and a defined reference line on the aircraft or wing.
INTERMEDIATEStall warning systemA system that warns when the aircraft approaches an aerodynamic stall condition.
ADVANCEDFlight control computerA computer that processes commands and sensor inputs to control or monitor aircraft flight-control functions.
SOURCE & REVIEW BOUNDARY
Use the right information for the right decision.
TechOpsBase supports learning and technical discovery. Current approved maintenance data, engineering instructions and company procedures control real aircraft work.
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