Which statement correctly matches each primary flight control with its axis?

• A. Ailerons control roll about the longitudinal axis; elevator controls pitch about the lateral axis; rudder controls yaw about the vertical axis.
• B. Rudder controls roll; elevator controls yaw; ailerons control pitch.
• C. Flaps control roll; elevator controls yaw; ailerons control pitch.
• D. Spoilers control pitch; rudder controls roll; ailerons control yaw.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how the primary flight controls move the airplane about its three principal axes: roll about the longitudinal axis (nose to tail), pitch about the lateral axis (wingtip to wingtip), and yaw about the vertical axis (up and down). Ailerons move in opposite directions to create differential lift between the wings, which makes the aircraft roll about the longitudinal axis. Elevator changes the angle of attack at the tail surfaces on the horizontal stabilizer, causing the nose to rise or descend, i.e., pitch about the lateral axis. Rudder deflects left or right on the vertical stabilizer to produce yaw, turning the nose about the vertical axis.

So the combination correctly maps ailerons to roll, elevator to pitch, and rudder to yaw. Other statements mix up which control affects which axis, such as suggesting the rudder rolls the aircraft or the elevator yaws it.