Cockpit Basics

cockpit = the small closed space where the pilot sits in an aircraft

flight deck = the cockpit of a large aircraft

steering = the control over aircraft movement

side stick = an aircraft control stick that is located on the side console of the pilot, usually on the righthand side, or outboard on a two-seat flightdeck

center stick = an aircraft cockpit arrangement where the control column (or joystick) is located in the center of the cockpit either between the pilot's legs or between the pilots' positions

yoke = the airplane's “steering wheel”

throttle = a device controlling the flow of fuel or power to an engine

pedestal = a large standing panel between the two pilots which contains the thrust / throttle levers, radio and navigation control panels

cabin = the section of an aircraft in which passengers travel