Which control surface is related to differential control?

Differential control is primarily associated with the ailerons on an aircraft. Ailerons are located on the outer wings and are used to control the roll of the aircraft. When a pilot wants to initiate a turn, the aileron on one wing is deflected upward while the aileron on the opposite wing is deflected downward. This differential movement creates a difference in lift between the two wings, causing the aircraft to roll towards the wing with the lowered aileron.

In addition to facilitating turns, differential aileron movement helps reduce the adverse yaw, which is a tendency for the aircraft to yaw in the opposite direction of the intended turn. By using ailerons in this way, pilots can achieve more controlled and efficient maneuvers in flight.

The other control surfaces mentioned do not utilize differential control in the manner ailerons do. The rudder is used for yaw control, the elevator controls pitch, and flaps are used to increase lift and drag during landing or takeoff, not for differential roll control. Therefore, understanding the role of ailerons in creating differential lift and controlling roll is key to recognizing their importance in flight dynamics.