Yoke (aeronautics)
A yoke, alternatively known as control column, is a device used for piloting in most fixed-wing aircraft, analogous to a steering wheel in an automobile.
The aviator uses the yoke to control the attitude of the plane, usually in both pitch and roll. Rotating, pushing, and pulling the yoke moves the control surfaces, allowing control of the aircraft. Small to medium sized aircraft, usually limited to propeller driven, feature a mechanical system whereby the yoke is connected directly to the control surfaces with cables. Larger and more powerful aircraft use a fly-by-wire system, where the yoke movements are received by an on board computer which sends a corresponding signal to actuators attached to the control surfaces. Most larger aircraft with fly-by-wire systems have their yokes linked to stick shakers which are designed to help indicate stalling conditions.
One of the primary advantages of a yoke is its two-handed design, which allows left or right-handed operation. This feature is often used by pilots when they need simultaneous access to both the yoke and the throttle, in such a situation the left hand can control the yoke while the right hand controls the throttle.
The yoke often incorporates other key functions such as housing a thumb or finger button to enable the radio microphone and holding a flight plan, checklist, or GPS.
Yokes are not used on all aircraft. Helicopters use a cyclic and a large majority of military aircraft use a centre- or side-stick. Some ultralight aircraft, such as the Gazelle Skyfox, use a stick simply because they can't fit a yoke in the small cockpit. The latest Airbus family of passenger jets use a side-stick not unlike a computer game controller to actuate control surfaces.
There are also computer input devices designed to simulate a yoke, intended for flight simulators.
See also
Aircraft flight control systems
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