Introduction to Glider Flying > Components and Systems > The Fuselage > Wings and Components

Glider wings incorporate several components, which help the pilot in maintaining the attitude of the glider and controlling lift and drag. These include ailerons, as well as lift and drag devices, such as spoilers, dive brakes, and flaps.

Figure 2-1. Components of a glider.

Figure 2-2. Types of lift/drag devices.

The ailerons control movement around the longitudi -nal axis. This is known as roll. The ailerons are attached to the outboard tailing edge of each wing and move in the opposite direction from each other.

Moving the control stick to the right causes the right aileron to deflect upward and the left aileron to deflect downward. The upward deflection of the right aileron decreases the camber resulting in decreased lift on the right wing. The corresponding downward deflection of the left aileron increases the camber resulting in increased lift on the left wing. Thus, the increased lift on the left wing and decreased lift on the right wing causes the glider to roll to the right.