777, 767,757,747, etc. Elevators and VR
 

So, I've watched many YouTube videos of the aforementioned favorite planes...and I rarely see the elevators deflect upwards to assist with the rotation/lift of the plane.

I mean, I know that as the plane is accelerating down the runway that pressure under the wing is doubling as the speed increases which will undoubtedly cause the plane to lift.

However, the pilot always has to pull back on the yoke which then controls the elevators, so why do I not notice any movement of the elevators?

:confused:

My understanding is it is a very small deflection which is not visible to the naked eye at such a distance.

Once the plane begins to rotate, the angle of attack on the wing increases resulting in additional lift produced. Depending on the stability characteristics of the plane, it can hold an attitude with the control surface in a neutral position. The airplane can be trimmed to maintain a particular attitude and airspeed.

thanks for the speedy reply....i too was thinking the same thing...that it's such a small deflection and it all happens so quickly that the naked eye does not see it. ^

Prior to takeoff we will set the stabilizer trim to a setting that allows for 'normal' control forces to rotate. Basically the stab trim setting is based on the weight and load distribution on the plane. When set properly, the elevator deflection needed to rotate the plane is not very large.

**The horizontal stabilizer is the large surface on the tail of the plane. The elevators are on the trailing edge of the stabilizers. The control yoke moves the elevators and the stabilizer trim moves the entire horizontal stabilizer.**

I hope this helps. I added the ** parts just in case someone wasn't clear how the system works ;)

^^^^^^^^