aileron crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "aileron crossword clue," along with detailed explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. Whether you're stuck or just checking your work, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "aileron crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FLAP: A movable part of an aircraft wing, often confused with or part of a system including ailerons.
ROLL: The primary aircraft motion controlled by ailerons.
WING: The main aerodynamic surface where ailerons are located.
6 Letters
DEVICE: A general term for a mechanical apparatus, which an aileron is for aircraft control.
7 Letters
CONTROL: Referring to the function of an aileron as a flight control surface.
SURFACE: A specific type of control surface found on aircraft wings.
More About "aileron crossword clue"
An aileron is a crucial component in the flight control system of a fixed-wing aircraft. Derived from the French word for "small wing," ailerons are typically located on the trailing edge of each wing, near the wingtip. Their primary function is to control the aircraft's roll, enabling it to turn left or right by banking. This differential movement creates an imbalance in lift, causing one wing to rise and the other to descend.
Understanding the role of an aileron is key for aviation enthusiasts and crossword solvers alike. While often confused with other wing elements like flaps (which increase lift and drag for takeoff/landing) or spoilers (which reduce lift and increase drag), ailerons are uniquely dedicated to lateral control. This distinction is often a source of clever clues in crosswords, requiring knowledge of specific aerospace terminology.
Crossword clues related to "aileron" can vary in difficulty, often pointing to its function (like "roll controller" or "wing movement part") or its location ("on a wing's edge"). Knowing these associations can greatly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the broader context of the clue. Is it asking for a part, a function, or a characteristic of an aileron?
- Letter Count Matters: Use the given letter count to narrow down possibilities. If "aileron" points to a 4-letter word, "FLAP" or "ROLL" are strong candidates.
- Think Synonyms and Related Concepts: Crosswords often use synonyms or closely related terms. For "aileron," think about what it does (control, roll) or where it is (wing, surface).
- Check for Specific Aviation Jargon: Some puzzles might use very specific aviation terms. If you're stuck, a quick search for "aviation glossary" might reveal a fitting word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aileron in an aircraft?
An aileron is a hinged flight control surface located on the trailing edge of each wing of a fixed-wing aircraft. They are used to control the aircraft in roll, meaning they cause the aircraft to rotate around its longitudinal axis.
How do ailerons help control an airplane?
When a pilot moves the control stick or yoke, ailerons move differentially: one goes up while the other goes down. This creates a difference in lift between the two wings, causing the aircraft to roll, which is essential for turning.
Are ailerons the same as flaps or spoilers?
No, while they are all control surfaces on the wing, they have different primary functions. Ailerons control roll. Flaps are typically on the inner part of the wing and increase lift and drag for takeoff and landing. Spoilers are deployed to decrease lift and increase drag, often used for braking on landing or for roll control in some aircraft by 'spoiling' lift on one wing.