Pilot Institute

JUNE 4, 2025

Upward Deflection : Raising both elevons decreases the camber of the wing. Downward Deflection : When the elevons are lowered, the camber increases. As a result, it creates induced thrust at the wingtips rather than induced drag. The Concorde, though civilian, showcased a delta-wing tailless layout in a supersonic airliner.

Tail 52

Tail Airplanes Weight-Shift-Control Drag 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

From simple mechanical linkages in small aircraft to high-tech fly-by-wire systems in airliners, ailerons have evolved with aviation itself. The asymmetry between the top and bottom surface of the wing is called wing camber. Commercial airliners fly at speeds above 300 knots but also need to be controllable at speeds below 150 knots.

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90

Ask the Pilot

JUNE 14, 2025

That being said, evidence suggests the Boeing 787 suffered either a loss of thrust in both engines, or an inadvertent retraction of the plane’s flaps and slats before reaching sufficient speed. The loss of thrust theory is evidenced a few different ways. All they could do was glide straight ahead.

Air Traffic Control 65

Air Traffic Control Camber Thrust Lift 65