Which component provides the mechanical motion to move the flight control surfaces in an autopilot system?

Which component provides the mechanical motion to move the flight control surfaces in an autopilot system?

• A. Servo
• B. Gyro
• C. Altimeter
• D. Transponder

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the component acting as the actuator is what actually moves the control surfaces. In an autopilot system, that role is filled by the servo. The autopilot computer sends a control signal to the servo, which converts that electrical command into mechanical motion and drives the surface through a linkage or hydraulic mechanism. That’s how the autopilot makes the ailerons, elevator, and rudder deflect to follow its programmed guidance. Gyros, altimeters, and transponders play sensing or communication roles. A gyro provides attitude or rate information, an altimeter measures altitude, and a transponder communicates with air traffic control. None of these generate the physical movement of the control surfaces.

The key idea is that the component acting as the actuator is what actually moves the control surfaces. In an autopilot system, that role is filled by the servo. The autopilot computer sends a control signal to the servo, which converts that electrical command into mechanical motion and drives the surface through a linkage or hydraulic mechanism. That’s how the autopilot makes the ailerons, elevator, and rudder deflect to follow its programmed guidance.

Gyros, altimeters, and transponders play sensing or communication roles. A gyro provides attitude or rate information, an altimeter measures altitude, and a transponder communicates with air traffic control. None of these generate the physical movement of the control surfaces.