Innovative flight control explanation and demonstration: bridging theory and practice in secondary education

Abstract

How do airplanes turn, pitch, and roll? This fundamental question about airplane control captivates many pupils. Offering a comprehensible explanation to secondary school students is challenging due to the complex nature of fluid dynamics and mechanics. In this paper, we provide an accessible explanation of flight control principles, supported by carefully designed illustrations. Furthermore, we address the gap in educational resources by introducing a novel indoor demonstration apparatus. This design employs universal joints and remote-controlled model airplanes to visually demonstrate the principles of airplane control, particularly focusing on the maneuvers of turning, pitching, and rolling. This method is cost-effective, straightforward to implement, and offers students and aviation enthusiasts a highly intuitive and engaging learning experience.