What are the elevators used for in an aircraft?

Elevators are crucial components located on the horizontal tail section of an aircraft, and their primary purpose is to control the pitch of the aircraft. When the pilot adjusts the elevators, they change the angle of the tail, which in turn affects the aircraft's nose position. By raising the elevators, the tail pushes down, causing the nose to rise, which allows the aircraft to climb. Conversely, lowering the elevators makes the tail rise and the nose drop, enabling descent. This pitch control is essential for maintaining the desired altitude and trajectory during flight.

Understanding the functions of different flight control surfaces is vital for flight operations, and knowing that elevators specifically manage pitch helps in comprehending how an aircraft maneuvers effectively. Other control surfaces have distinct roles: for instance, ailerons control roll and rudders manage yaw, making it important to distinguish between these functions in aviation.