What is the primary flight control surface for roll control in the Cessna 172?

The primary flight control surface responsible for roll control in the Cessna 172 is the ailerons. Ailerons are located on the outer sections of the wings and are designed to move in opposite directions; when one aileron is deflected upward, the other is deflected downward. This differential movement causes the aircraft to roll in the direction of the aileron that is moving down, allowing for effective control during turns and changes in flight attitude.

In contrast, the rudder controls yaw, which is the left or right movement of the aircraft's nose around its vertical axis, while the elevator controls pitch, affecting the nose's up or down angle. Flaps, on the other hand, are used to increase lift and drag at lower speeds and do not contribute to roll control during normal flight operations. Understanding the specific functions of these control surfaces is crucial for effective aircraft handling and maneuvering.