What is the term for the rotational movement around the aircraft's longitudinal axis?

The term for the rotational movement around the aircraft's longitudinal axis is roll. This axis runs from the nose to the tail of the aircraft, and when an aircraft rolls, one wing moves upward while the other moves downward. Roll is primarily controlled by ailerons located on the wings, which create differing lift on each side of the aircraft.

Understanding roll is crucial for pilots since it affects the aircraft's orientation in the air. Mastery of this movement allows for effective maneuvering and stability during flight. In practical terms, when a pilot commands a roll, they can facilitate turns and changes in direction, which are essential for navigation and handling the aircraft safely.

In contrast, yaw refers to movement around the vertical axis, pitch involves rotation around the lateral axis (from wingtip to wingtip), and bank describes the angle of the aircraft in a turn, which is a result of the roll movement. Each of these terms encompasses different aspects of aircraft dynamics, making it important to distinguish between them for effective piloting.