Yoke (aeronautics): Difference between revisions
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[[File:BoeingControlYokes.jpg|thumb|right|Collection of control yokes at [[Boeing Future of Flight Museum]]: 747, 707, B-29, Trimotor. The former two yokes are W-shaped, while the latter two are circular.]] | [[File:BoeingControlYokes.jpg|thumb|right|Collection of control yokes at [[Boeing Future of Flight Museum]]: 747, 707, B-29, Trimotor. The former two yokes are W-shaped, while the latter two are circular.]] | ||
[[File:ConcordeCockpitSinsheim.jpg|thumb|right|The cockpit of [[Concorde]], which has an M-shaped yoke mounted on a control column]] | [[File:ConcordeCockpitSinsheim.jpg|thumb|right|The cockpit of [[Concorde]], which has an M-shaped yoke mounted on a control column]] | ||
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[[File:Cessna_162_Skycatcher_N5201K_0986_instrument_panel.JPG|thumb|right|[[Cessna 162 Skycatcher]] instrument panel]] | [[File:Cessna_162_Skycatcher_N5201K_0986_instrument_panel.JPG|thumb|right|[[Cessna 162 Skycatcher]] instrument panel]] | ||
A '''yoke''', alternatively known as a '''control wheel''' or a '''control column''', is a device used for [[Pilot (aeronautics)|piloting]] some [[fixed-wing aircraft]]. | A '''yoke''', alternatively known as a '''control wheel''' or a '''control column''', is a device used for [[Pilot (aeronautics)|piloting]] some [[fixed-wing aircraft]]. | ||
The [[aviator|pilot]] uses the yoke to control the [[Aircraft attitude|attitude]]<!-- Note: the correct term is "attitude", not "altitude", please don't change it --> of the plane, usually in both pitch and [[Flight dynamics|roll]]. Rotating the control wheel controls the [[ailerons]] and the roll axis. Fore and aft movement of the control column controls the [[Elevator (aircraft)|elevator]] and the pitch axis. | The [[aviator|pilot]] uses the yoke to control the [[Aircraft attitude|attitude]]<!-- Note: the correct term is "attitude", not "altitude", please don't change it --> of the plane, usually in both pitch and [[Flight dynamics|roll]]. Rotating the control wheel controls the [[ailerons]] and the roll axis. Fore and aft movement of the control column controls the [[Elevator (aircraft)|elevator]] and the pitch axis. When the yoke is pulled back, the nose of the aircraft rises. When the yoke is pushed forward, the nose is lowered. When the yoke is turned left, the plane rolls to the left, and when it is turned to the right, the plane rolls to the right. | ||
Small to medium-size aircraft, usually limited to propeller-driven, feature a mechanical system whereby the yoke is connected directly to the control surfaces with cables and rods. Human muscle power alone is not enough for larger and more powerful aircraft, so hydraulic systems are used, in which yoke movements control hydraulic valves and actuators. In more modern aircraft, inputs may first be sent to a [[fly-by-wire]] system, which then sends a corresponding signal to [[actuators]] attached to the aileron booster systems and control surfaces. Yokes may feature a [[stick shaker]], which is designed to help indicate the onset of [[stall (flight)|stall]], or even a [[stick pusher]], which physically pushes the yoke to prevent a stall. | Small to medium-size aircraft, usually limited to propeller-driven, feature a mechanical system whereby the yoke is connected directly to the control surfaces with cables and rods. Human muscle power alone is not enough for larger and more powerful aircraft, so hydraulic systems are used, in which yoke movements control hydraulic valves and actuators. In more modern aircraft, inputs may first be sent to a [[fly-by-wire]] system, which then sends a corresponding signal to [[actuators]] attached to the aileron booster systems and control surfaces. Yokes may feature a [[stick shaker]], which is designed to help indicate the onset of [[stall (flight)|stall]], or even a [[stick pusher]], which physically pushes the yoke to prevent a stall. | ||
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In larger aircraft they are usually on a post protruding vertically from the floor, referred to as a control column. In most other planes, they are pivot point mounted on a horizontal tube that comes out of the instrument panel. | In larger aircraft they are usually on a post protruding vertically from the floor, referred to as a control column. In most other planes, they are pivot point mounted on a horizontal tube that comes out of the instrument panel. | ||
In the case of the [[Cirrus SR20]] and [[Cirrus SR22]], although the control looks like a [[side stick]], it works like a yoke handle (referred to in the industry as a "side yoke"). | In the case of the [[Cirrus SR20]] and [[Cirrus SR22]], although the control looks like a [[side stick]], it works like a yoke handle (referred to in the industry as a "side yoke"). | ||
==Advantages and disadvantages== | ==Advantages and disadvantages== | ||
[[Side-stick]]s and [[center stick|centre-stick]]s are better for making rapid control inputs and dealing with high [[g-force]]s, hence their use in military, sport, and aerobatic aircraft. However, yokes are less sensitive (i.e., more precise) due to a larger range of motion and provide more visual feedback to the pilot. | [[Side-stick]]s and [[center stick|centre-stick]]s are better for making rapid control inputs and dealing with high [[g-force]]s, hence their use in military, sport, and aerobatic aircraft. However, yokes are less sensitive (i.e., more precise) due to a larger range of motion and provide more visual feedback to the pilot. Sidesticks don't provide visual feedback and actually don't move much at all as they respond to the pressure applied by the human pilot ... in the G650 when you grab the yoke and move it, the one on the other side will respond just as it does on a conventional airplane. | ||
Most yokes are connected and will both move together, thus providing instant indication to the other pilot when one makes a control input. This is in contrast to some fly-by-wire control sticks that allow each pilot to send different, and sometimes greatly conflicting, inputs. Competing inputs are signaled on Airbus craft. | Most yokes are connected and will both move together, thus providing instant indication to the other pilot when one makes a control input. This is in contrast to some fly-by-wire control sticks that allow each pilot to send different, and sometimes greatly conflicting, inputs. Competing inputs are signaled on Airbus craft. | ||
Yokes take up more room than side-sticks in the cockpit and may even obscure some instruments; by comparison, side-sticks have minimal cockpit intrusion, allowing the inclusion of retractable tray-tables and making it easier to enter/leave small cockpits. | Yokes take up more room than side-sticks in the cockpit and may even obscure some instruments; by comparison, side-sticks have minimal cockpit intrusion, allowing the inclusion of retractable tray-tables and making it easier to enter/leave small cockpits. | ||
A yoke, unlike a side-stick, may be used comfortably with either hand. This can be useful if one needs to write or manipulate other controls in the cockpit. This advantage is shared with the center-stick. | A yoke, unlike a side-stick, may be used comfortably with either hand. This can be useful if one needs to write or manipulate other controls in the cockpit. This advantage is shared with the center-stick. | ||
==Ancillary functions== | ==Ancillary functions== | ||
The yoke often incorporates other key functions such as housing thumb or finger buttons to enable the [[Airband|radio]] microphone, disengage the [[autopilot]], and [[Trim (aircraft)|trim]] the aircraft. In addition, there may be a clipboard, checklist, or [[Chronometer watch|chronometer]] located in the yoke's center. | The yoke often incorporates other key functions such as housing thumb or finger buttons to enable the [[Airband|radio]] microphone, disengage the [[autopilot]], and [[Trim (aircraft)|trim]] the aircraft. In addition, there may be a clipboard, checklist, or [[Chronometer watch|chronometer]] located in the yoke's center. | ||
==Alternative control systems== | ==Alternative control systems== | ||
Yokes are not used on all aircraft. [[Airship]]s use a [[ship's wheel]], [[helicopter]]s use a [[helicopter flight controls|cyclic]], | Yokes are not used on all aircraft. [[Airship]]s use a [[ship's wheel]], [[helicopter]]s use a [[helicopter flight controls|cyclic]], and the majority of military [[fighter aircraft]] use a [[Centre stick|center]] or [[side-stick]]. Some light aircraft use a stick due to pilot preference. The latest Airbus family of passenger jets use a side-stick, similar to a [[joystick]], to actuate control surfaces. | ||
There are also [[computer]] [[input device]]s designed to simulate a yoke, intended for [[flight simulator]]s. | There are also [[computer]] [[input device]]s designed to simulate a yoke, intended for [[flight simulator]]s. | ||
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* [[Rudder pedals]] | * [[Rudder pedals]] | ||
[[Category:Aircraft controls]] | [[Category:Aircraft controls]] | ||
[[Category:Yoke (aeronautics)]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Flight Controls]] | |||
[[Category:Primary Flight Controls]] | |||
[[Category:Manual Flight Control Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Control Yokes]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Yoke Design]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke vs Side-stick]] | |||
[[Category:Dual Yoke Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke Control Linkages]] | |||
[[Category:Elevator Control Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Aileron Control Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Mechanical Control Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Deck Ergonomics]] | |||
[[Category:Cockpit Layout Design]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Control Hardware]] | |||
[[Category:Pilot Interface Equipment]] | |||
[[Category:Cockpit Human-Machine Interface]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Steering Devices]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Training Equipment]] | |||
[[Category:Pilot Hand Positioning]] | |||
[[Category:Cockpit Instrument Integration]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Control Movements]] | |||
[[Category:General Aviation Flight Controls]] | |||
[[Category:Commercial Aircraft Yokes]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke-Mounted Switches]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke Trim Controls]] | |||
[[Category:Autopilot Override Mechanisms]] | |||
[[Category:Control Column Mechanics]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Stick vs Yoke Debate]] | |||
[[Category:Control Yoke Failures]] | |||
[[Category:Pilot Input Devices]] | |||
[[Category:Flight Control Force Feedback]] | |||
[[Category:Cockpit Redundancy Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke-Based Flight Maneuvers]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Control Interfaces]] | |||
[[Category:Ergonomics in Aircraft Design]] | |||
[[Category:Pilot Comfort Systems]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke Handling Characteristics]] | |||
[[Category:Yoke-Controlled Aircraft Types]] | |||
[[Category:Aircraft Control Feedback Loops]] | |||
[[Category:Pilot-Centered Flight Control Design]] | |||
[[Category:Aviation Safety X]] | |||
[[Category:ASXWiki]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:43, 4 May 2025
A yoke, alternatively known as a control wheel or a control column, is a device used for piloting some fixed-wing aircraft.
The pilot uses the yoke to control the attitude of the plane, usually in both pitch and roll. Rotating the control wheel controls the ailerons and the roll axis. Fore and aft movement of the control column controls the elevator and the pitch axis. When the yoke is pulled back, the nose of the aircraft rises. When the yoke is pushed forward, the nose is lowered. When the yoke is turned left, the plane rolls to the left, and when it is turned to the right, the plane rolls to the right.
Small to medium-size aircraft, usually limited to propeller-driven, feature a mechanical system whereby the yoke is connected directly to the control surfaces with cables and rods. Human muscle power alone is not enough for larger and more powerful aircraft, so hydraulic systems are used, in which yoke movements control hydraulic valves and actuators. In more modern aircraft, inputs may first be sent to a fly-by-wire system, which then sends a corresponding signal to actuators attached to the aileron booster systems and control surfaces. Yokes may feature a stick shaker, which is designed to help indicate the onset of stall, or even a stick pusher, which physically pushes the yoke to prevent a stall.
Styles
Yokes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most common being of a "U" or "W" design. Some aircraft use a "ram's horn" style yoke, shaped like an "M", such as Embraer aircraft and the Concorde. There are some rarer exotic or archaic styles, such as circular or semi-circular designs, much like a steering wheel.
In larger aircraft they are usually on a post protruding vertically from the floor, referred to as a control column. In most other planes, they are pivot point mounted on a horizontal tube that comes out of the instrument panel.
In the case of the Cirrus SR20 and Cirrus SR22, although the control looks like a side stick, it works like a yoke handle (referred to in the industry as a "side yoke").
Advantages and disadvantages
Side-sticks and centre-sticks are better for making rapid control inputs and dealing with high g-forces, hence their use in military, sport, and aerobatic aircraft. However, yokes are less sensitive (i.e., more precise) due to a larger range of motion and provide more visual feedback to the pilot. Sidesticks don't provide visual feedback and actually don't move much at all as they respond to the pressure applied by the human pilot ... in the G650 when you grab the yoke and move it, the one on the other side will respond just as it does on a conventional airplane.
Most yokes are connected and will both move together, thus providing instant indication to the other pilot when one makes a control input. This is in contrast to some fly-by-wire control sticks that allow each pilot to send different, and sometimes greatly conflicting, inputs. Competing inputs are signaled on Airbus craft.
Yokes take up more room than side-sticks in the cockpit and may even obscure some instruments; by comparison, side-sticks have minimal cockpit intrusion, allowing the inclusion of retractable tray-tables and making it easier to enter/leave small cockpits.
A yoke, unlike a side-stick, may be used comfortably with either hand. This can be useful if one needs to write or manipulate other controls in the cockpit. This advantage is shared with the center-stick.
Ancillary functions
The yoke often incorporates other key functions such as housing thumb or finger buttons to enable the radio microphone, disengage the autopilot, and trim the aircraft. In addition, there may be a clipboard, checklist, or chronometer located in the yoke's center.
Alternative control systems
Yokes are not used on all aircraft. Airships use a ship's wheel, helicopters use a cyclic, and the majority of military fighter aircraft use a center or side-stick. Some light aircraft use a stick due to pilot preference. The latest Airbus family of passenger jets use a side-stick, similar to a joystick, to actuate control surfaces.
There are also computer input devices designed to simulate a yoke, intended for flight simulators.
See also
- Index of aviation articles
- Aircraft flight control system
- HOTAS, an acronym for hands on throttle-and-stick
- Rudder pedals
Categories:
- Pages with broken file links
- Aircraft controls
- Yoke (aeronautics)
- Aircraft Flight Controls
- Primary Flight Controls
- Manual Flight Control Systems
- Flight Control Yokes
- Aircraft Yoke Design
- Yoke vs Side-stick
- Dual Yoke Systems
- Yoke Control Linkages
- Elevator Control Systems
- Aileron Control Systems
- Mechanical Control Systems
- Flight Deck Ergonomics
- Cockpit Layout Design
- Flight Control Hardware
- Pilot Interface Equipment
- Cockpit Human-Machine Interface
- Aircraft Steering Devices
- Flight Training Equipment
- Pilot Hand Positioning
- Cockpit Instrument Integration
- Flight Control Movements
- General Aviation Flight Controls
- Commercial Aircraft Yokes
- Yoke-Mounted Switches
- Yoke Trim Controls
- Autopilot Override Mechanisms
- Control Column Mechanics
- Aircraft Stick vs Yoke Debate
- Control Yoke Failures
- Pilot Input Devices
- Flight Control Force Feedback
- Cockpit Redundancy Systems
- Yoke-Based Flight Maneuvers
- Aircraft Control Interfaces
- Ergonomics in Aircraft Design
- Pilot Comfort Systems
- Yoke Handling Characteristics
- Yoke-Controlled Aircraft Types
- Aircraft Control Feedback Loops
- Pilot-Centered Flight Control Design
- Aviation Safety X
- ASXWiki
