Which axis runs from the nose to the tail of an aircraft?

• A. Longitudinal axis
• B. Lateral axis
• C. Vertical axis
• D. None of these

Answer: (A)

The axis running from the nose to the tail is the longitudinal axis. This axis is what the airplane banks around during roll, as the ailerons cause the wings to rise or fall relative to the horizon. The lateral axis, in contrast, runs wingtip to wingtip and governs pitch (nose up or down) with the elevator, while the vertical axis runs top to bottom and governs yaw (nose left or right) with the rudder. So the nose-to-tail axis is the longitudinal axis, which is why that choice is the best answer.