What is the function of the elevator on an aircraft?

The elevator is a critical control surface located at the tail of an aircraft, and its primary function is to control the pitch of the aircraft. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick forward or backward, the elevator changes its angle, which in turn alters the airflow and the resulting aerodynamic force acting on the tail.

Increasing the elevator angle (deflecting it upward) raises the tail, causing the nose of the aircraft to pitch up and increase altitude. Conversely, lowering the elevator (deflecting it downward) lowers the tail and causes the nose to pitch down, resulting in a descent or decrease in altitude.

Understanding this function is crucial for pilots, as managing pitch is essential for safe and effective control of the aircraft during various phases of flight, such as takeoff, climb, level flight, and descent. Control of pitch directly impacts an aircraft's angle of attack and its ability to maintain level flight or climb, making it a fundamental aspect of flight operations.