Which surfaces are the primary flight controls, and what are the three secondary surfaces along with their general functions?

• A. Primary: Flaps, Slats, Spoilers; Secondary: Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder.
• B. Primary: Ailerons, Elevators, Rudder; Secondary: Flaps, Slats, Spoilers.
• C. Primary: Elevators, Flaps; Secondary: Ailerons, Rudder, Slats.
• D. Primary: Ailerons, Rudder; Secondary: Elevator, Flaps, Spoilers.

Answer: (B)

Primary flight controls are the surfaces that directly change the aircraft’s attitude: ailerons control roll, elevators control pitch, and the rudder controls yaw. The three secondary surfaces provide additional lift and drag management to support different phases of flight: flaps, slats, and spoilers. Flaps increase wing curvature and lift at lower speeds, helping with takeoff and landing. Slats extend at the leading edge to maintain airflow at high angles of attack, delaying stall and improving lift during takeoff and approach. Spoilers raise lift disruption on the wing to increase drag and reduce lift, aiding descent, speed control, and, when used differentially, roll control.