Definition: Moveable portions of RC aircraft that, when moved into specific positions, cause the airplane to move in a certain direction are control surfaces.
The aileron, elevator, elevon, and rudder or tail rotor are control surfaces that cause the RC aircraft to roll, climb or dive, and yaw or turn.
The number of channels on an RC transmitter translates to the number of control surfaces the transmitter can control.
Examples:
The presence of and position of control surfaces such as the ailerons and elevators affect the way RC aircraft fly. The more control surfaces present on the aircraft and controlled by the transmitter, the more skill it takes to fly the RC.
