The three axes.

Every aircraft rotates about three axes that pass through its center of gravity. Each axis has a name, a direction, and a dedicated control surface.

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Terms

Rotation about the longitudinal axis — the nose-to-tail line. Tilts the wings left or right. Controlled by the ailerons.

Rotation about the lateral axis — the wingtip-to-wingtip line. Raises or lowers the nose. Controlled by the elevator.

Rotation about the normal (vertical) axis — the top-to-bottom line. Swings the nose left or right. Controlled by the rudder.