AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Elevators are control surfaces located on the tail of an aircraft, specifically on the horizontal stabilizer. Their primary function is to control the pitch of the aircraft. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick forward or backward, the elevators deflect, which causes the nose of the aircraft to move either upwards or downwards. This adjustment is crucial during various phases of flight, such as takeoff, landing, and in-flight maneuvers.

For example, when the elevators are deflected upward, the tail of the aircraft moves downward, causing the nose to rise, which is essential for climbing. Conversely, if the elevators are deflected downward, the tail moves upward, and the nose drops, which is necessary for descending. Therefore, the adjustment that elevators make to the aircraft's nose is exclusively upward or downward, aligning perfectly with the requirement for effective pitch control.