Aileron Airfoil Weight-Shift-Control 
Pilot Institute
JUNE 4, 2025
How does it turn or climb without the usual control surfaces? Despite their lack of horizontal control surfaces, tailless aircraft are designed to be stable. With this type of aircraft, the functions of longitudinal stability and control are incorporated into the main wing. Ever wondered how it stays balanced?
Flying Magazine
MAY 1, 2024
The ability to bank is essential to controlled flight. Otto Lilienthal did it by shifting his weight, but for the much larger Wright Flyer the solution was to make one wing produce more lift than the other by twisting them in opposite directions. The wind hits the deflected surface of the aileron and pushes on it.
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