PLT095: Axes of Rotation
What code PLT095 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Axes of Rotation before your checkride.
Recall aerodynamics - longitudinal axis / lateral axis
What this means for your checkride
An airplane rotates about three axes through its center of gravity: the longitudinal axis (nose to tail, roll, controlled by the ailerons), the lateral axis (wingtip to wingtip, pitch, controlled by the elevator), and the vertical axis (yaw, controlled by the rudder).
The axes and their controls are the foundation of how the airplane maneuvers, so the FAA tests which control moves the airplane about which axis.
Candidates swap the longitudinal and lateral axes. Roll happens about the longitudinal (lengthwise) axis; pitch happens about the lateral (wingtip-to-wingtip) axis.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.