Why Are Airplane Control Yokes Called Yokes

The terminology used for flight controls in airplanes can be quite specific, with some terms evoking images from agricultural equipment or dovetailing with everyday objects. One such example is the control Yoke – a device used in many aircraft. This article delves into why these control devices are called yokes, examining their functional differences from sticks, their historical development, and how they shape a pilot's interaction with the aircraft.

Compare Control Sticks and Yokes

Control Sticks and Yokes represent two distinct but functionally similar control devices in aircraft. While they both operate the elevators (movable horizontal tail surfaces) and the ailerons/splitters (movable control surfaces on both wings), they are distinguished by their shapes and the way pilots manipulate them.

Control Sticks are characterized by their stick-like appearance, designed to be gripped and manipulated by the pilot. They are typically mounted in the floor or near the pilot's hand and can rotate in a 360-degree motion, much like stirring a pot with a spoon. These sticks are particularly favored in military jets and some sport aircraft due to their intuitive operation.

History and Evolution of Control Yokes

Control Yokes developed from an ancestral control wheel. Initially designed in the shape of a traditional steering wheel, these devices have undergone a transformative process involving gradual modifications to meet the needs of evolving aircraft design and pilot ergonomics. The evolution can be traced through various shapes and forms:

Full Circular Wheel: Early aviators, such as Glenn Curtiss, operated planes with fully circular wheels, similar to automobile steering wheels. This is evident in early aviation photography, as seen in this iconic image of Glenn Curtiss at the helm of one of his early planes. Cut-off Wheels: Over the years, these wheels began to get cut off, with the top half often removed, leaving a half-circular shape known as a throw-over control. The Beech 17 Staggerwing business plane from the 1930s featured a half-circular throw-over control wheel. Half-Rectangular Yokes: Further modifications led to the creation of a rectangular column-mounted dual control wheel, seen in the 1950s Cessna 195, the Businessliner, often referred to as a Yoke by pilots. Modern Yokes: Today's yokes, such as the W-shaped design popularized by Cessna, have eliminated the top horizontal bar, resulting in a more streamlined and ergonomic control system.

The Origin of the Term Yoke

The term Yoke itself is rooted in its agricultural origins. A yoke is a traditional harness used to control a team of oxen, typically placed over their shoulders. This shape has a familiar aspect that pilots and mechanics can relate to, aiding in easier communication and understanding between crew members.

The transition from a full circular wheel to a yoke illustrates the adaptation of control systems to meet changing needs and the natural evolution influenced by ergonomics and ease of operation. The name yoke effectively captures the visual and functional essence of this control device, making it an essential part of aviation terminology.

Ultimately, whether a pilot prefers a stick or a yoke, both are integral to the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft. Whether you find familiar elements in the old aviator's wheel or appreciate the modern yoke, both tools are crucial in the complex dance that makes flight possible.