aileron
(ˈeɪlərən)
[a. F. aileron, dim. of aile wing.]
One of the hinged flaps on the trailing edge of a wing of an aeroplane for maintaining or restoring its balance when flying.
| 1909 Aero 25 May 1 The ailerons or small planes between the main surfaces are used instead of wing-flexing for balancing. 1916 Air I. 11 Elevator surface and aileron surfaces which are constructed of steel frames covered with linen. 1937 Jrnl. R. Aeronaut. Soc. XLI. 191 Partial flap (slotted or split type) combined with drooping ailerons. 1953 Sci. News XXIX. 99 The ailerons on an aircraft are usually situated on the trailing edges of the wings and extend approximately halfway along the wing from the tips. |
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Add: 2. attrib. and Comb.aileron roll, a roll (roll n.2 1 d) executed by means of ailerons.
| 1930 R. Duncan Stunt Flying ix. 88 An *aileron roll is easy of accomplishment for the pursuit type of airplanes, no rudder being necessary. 1987 Kentucky Poetry Rev. Fall 54, I remember things done wrong: an aileron roll too close to the ground..a thunderstorm full of hail. |
aileron turn = *aileron roll above.
| 1942 Tee Emm (Air Ministry) II. 65/2 Do a quick barrel half roll with plenty of skid,..and then rudder into a steep dive with *aileron turns. 1986 Pilot Aug. 54/3 Others believe they saw the Pitts fly several downward ‘spirals’, which might be interpreted to mean aileron turns. |