When an aircraft is in flight it rotates about the center of gravity. A three dimensional coordinate system can be defined, through the center of gravity, whose axis are perpendicular to each other.These three perpendicular axis are termed as yaw axis, pitch axis and roll axis.

Yaw, pitch and roll axis of an aircraft

The axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the wings and is directed downward with origin at the aircraft’s center of gravity is the yaw axis. Rotation of the aircraft around this vertical axis is called yaw. Here, nose of the aircraft is left to right and vice-versa. Yaw motion is done through rudder of the aircraft.

The axis which is perpendicular to the yaw axis and is parallel to the plane of the wings is the pitch axis. It is passed through the center of gravity and is directed towards the wright wing. A pitch motion is the up and down movement of the nose of the aircraft, with respect to this axis. Pitch motion of the aircraft is controlled by the rudder.

The axis which is perpendicular to both the yaw and pitch axis and is origin is at the center of gravity of the aircraft directed towards the nose is the roll axis. Roll is the tilting of the aircraft’s wing up and down. Rolling is created by the use of ailerons of the aircraft’s wing.