An elevator is a movable flight control surface usually attached to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer. When the pilot pulls back on the yoke, the elevator deflects upward, pushing the tail down and causing the aircraft nose to pitch up. It is the primary mechanism for controlling the angle of attack and maintaining altitude or initiating climbs and descents.
Heard on the job
Check for full and free movement of the elevator during the preflight walkaround.
Do not mix it up with
- Elevon: An elevator only controls pitch and is mounted on the tail, while an elevon combines pitch and roll control on a tailless aircraft.