What does ailerons primarily control in flight?

Ailerons are control surfaces located on the outer wings of an aircraft, and their primary function is to manage the roll axis during flight. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick to the left or right, one aileron moves upward while the other moves downward. This differential movement generates a rolling motion, allowing the aircraft to tilt to one side or the other.

Understanding this concept is crucial because roll control is vital for maneuvering the aircraft during turns and maintaining lateral balance. While pitch, yaw, and altitude are also important aspects of flight control, they are primarily managed by other control surfaces such as elevators (for pitch) and rudders (for yaw). Ailerons are specifically designed for lateral control, making roll their main domain in terms of functionality and purpose.