How it works
The parts of a plane cockpit drawn here are those of a small single-engine airplane. Two more drawings enlarge the six flight instruments and the engine controls.
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From the pilot's seat
These are the parts of a plane inside that a pilot faces. The instrument panel runs across under the windshield, with the magnetic compass above it. The pilot holds the yoke and rests both feet on the rudder pedals. The tachometer and the radios sit beside the six flight instruments.
Six instruments, then the controls
The attitude indicator is top middle, with the airspeed indicator to its left, the altimeter to its right and the heading indicator under it. Along the bottom of the panel are the ignition and master switches and three knobs: carburetor heat, throttle and mixture.
- The dials here have ticks but no numbers. Tell them apart by their needles and their place.
- Many newer airplanes show the same six readings on one screen.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a cockpit in an airplane?
In a light airplane: an instrument panel with six flight instruments, engine gauges and radios; a yoke or stick and rudder pedals to fly with; and a throttle, a mixture control, carburetor heat and switches to run the engine.
What are the six basic flight instruments?
The airspeed indicator, the attitude indicator, the altimeter, the turn coordinator, the heading indicator and the vertical speed indicator. Pilots call the set the six pack.
What does the yoke do in a plane?
Turning it left or right moves the ailerons and rolls the airplane. Pushing it forward or pulling it back moves the elevator, which lowers or raises the nose. Some airplanes have a control stick instead.
What are the rudder pedals for?
They move the rudder on the tail. Pushing the left pedal swings the nose to the left, and the right pedal swings it to the right.