Private Pilot Private Exam

Which control surface is primarily used to adjust the level of an airplane in flight?

1. Rudder

2. Elevator

3. Aileron

4. Flaps

The correct answer is: Elevator

The elevator is a crucial control surface located at the tail of the aircraft. It primarily governs the pitch of the airplane, which refers to the angle of the nose relative to the horizon. When a pilot pulls back on the yoke or stick, the elevator deflects upward, causing the tail to drop and the nose to rise. This action induces a climb or increases the angle of attack, lifting the aircraft higher. Conversely, when the pilot pushes forward on the yoke, the elevator deflects downward, depressing the nose and resulting in a descent. While the other control surfaces serve their distinct purposes—such as the ailerons for roll control and the rudder for yaw—the elevator is specifically responsible for adjusting the airplane's level during flight by controlling its vertical movement. Flaps, on the other hand, are used primarily during takeoff and landing to increase lift at lower speeds, but they do not function to level the aircraft in flight.