Which axis passes from wing tip to wing tip?

Which axis passes from wing tip to wing tip?

• A. Longitudinal Axis
• B. Lateral Axis
• C. Vertical Axis
• D. Transverse Axis

Answer: (B)

The axis that runs from wing tip to wing tip is the lateral axis. It stretches side to side across the aircraft, perpendicular to the nose-to-tail (longitudinal) axis and the vertical axis. Rotating about this axis causes the aircraft to pitch: the nose moves up or down. That’s why elevator inputs affect the nose angle and climb or descent. In contrast, the longitudinal axis runs front to back and governs roll, while the vertical axis runs top to bottom and governs yaw. Some sources use the term transverse axis for this side-to-side axis, but the standard aviation term is lateral axis.

The axis that runs from wing tip to wing tip is the lateral axis. It stretches side to side across the aircraft, perpendicular to the nose-to-tail (longitudinal) axis and the vertical axis. Rotating about this axis causes the aircraft to pitch: the nose moves up or down. That’s why elevator inputs affect the nose angle and climb or descent. In contrast, the longitudinal axis runs front to back and governs roll, while the vertical axis runs top to bottom and governs yaw. Some sources use the term transverse axis for this side-to-side axis, but the standard aviation term is lateral axis.