control surface

American  

noun

1. any movable airfoil, as a rudder, flap, or aileron, for guiding or controlling an aircraft or missile in flight.

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control surface British  

noun

1. a movable surface, such as a rudder, elevator, aileron, etc, that controls an aircraft or rocket

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Etymology

Origin of control surface

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

At present, as anyone who has glanced out a jet window will know, aircraft with wings mostly use hinged control surfaces to control flight.

From BBC

“They did not have any visible means of lift, control surfaces or propulsion — nothing that resembled normal aircraft with wings, flaps or engines.”

From Washington Times

The National Transportation Safety Board said it’s looking at a “reported trim issue,” a reference to adjustments that are made to an airplane’s control surfaces to ensure it is stable and level in flight.

From Seattle Times

The report notes that Boeing is issuing a bulletin to all 737 operators requiring repetitive inspections of the control surface sensors.

From Seattle Times

However, he said the timing of the FAA directive is “interesting” and that something going wrong with the control surface on the tail is likely one focus of the investigation.

From Seattle Times