Abstract: The invention provides according to one aspect an aircraft, comprising a fuselage, an airfoil mounted to the fuselage and a flap for steering the aircraft. Furthermore, connecting means articularly connect the flap to the airfoil such that the flap is allowed to rotate around a rotation axis substantial parallel to the trailing or leading edge of the airfoil between a retracted position and an extended position and to translate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis. A rod articularly connect the flap to the airfoil or to the fuselage, wherein the rod defines the translation of the flap in the direction parallel to the rotation axis. Hence, by way of one aspect of the invention, forces acting of the flap in a direction parallel to the rotation axis can be taken up by the rod.

Abstract: The invention provides an aircraft, comprising a fuselage (8), an airfoil (1) mounted to the fuselage (8) and a flap (2; 3) for steering the aircraft. Furthermore, connecting means (18; 79) articularly connect the flap (2; 3) to the airfoil (1) such that the flap (2; 3) is allowed to rotate around a rotation axis (28; 82) substantial parallel to the trailing or leading edge (4; 5) of the airfoil (1) between a retracted position (I) and an extended position (II) and to translate in a direction (54a; 98) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (28; 82). A rod (43; 95) articularly connect the flap (2; 3) to the airfoil (1) or to the fuselage (8), wherein the rod (43; 95) defines the translation of the flap (2; 3) in the direction (55a; 98) parallel to the rotation axis (28; 82). Hence, by way of the invention, forces acting of the flap (2; 3) in a direction (55a; 98) parallel to the rotation axis (28; 82) can be taken up by the rod (43; 95).

Abstract: A door or hatch operating mechanism is blocked by a bolt when the aircraft moves in that dynamic pressure is sensed by a spring biased displaceable large piston moving a small piston which acts on a hydraulic link acting, in turn, on another spring biased piston which holds the bolt in locking position or releases it.

Abstract: A stairway for aircraft which will fold into a compact package. The stairway is mounted on suitable tracks within the aircraft for alternate positioning, either in alignment with a door thereof for extension therethrough or for movement as a compact package to one side thereof. Such track may be either a standard seat track or a special track provided for the purpose. Translation mechanism such as a sprocket supported chain or a parallelogram arranged linkage may be provided for moving such package translatably and without rotation thereof between a position in front of the aircraft door and a position at one side thereof.