What control surface is used to change the pitch of an aircraft?

The elevator is the control surface specifically designed to change the pitch of an aircraft. When the pilot adjusts the elevator, typically located at the tail of the aircraft, it alters the aircraft's angle of attack, which directly influences the nose's up or down movement. By pulling back on the control yoke or stick, the elevator moves upward, causing the tail to lower and the nose to rise, resulting in an increase in pitch. Conversely, pushing forward lowers the elevator, raising the tail and causing the nose to drop, which decreases pitch.

The ailerons primarily control the roll of the aircraft, affecting its lateral balance during flight. The rudder is used to control yaw, helping to manage the airplane's direction left or right in relation to its longitudinal axis. Flaps are deployed to increase lift during low-speed operations, such as landing and takeoff, but they do not influence pitch. Understanding the functions of these control surfaces can help a pilot effectively manage the aircraft's attitude and orientation in flight.