What controls the pitch attitude of an aircraft?

The pitch attitude of an aircraft is primarily controlled by the elevator. The elevator is a movable control surface located at the tail of the aircraft, and its primary function is to control the angle of attack of the wings, which directly affects the aircraft's pitch. When the pilot pulls back on the control yoke or stick, the elevator is deflected upward, causing the tail to lower and the nose to rise, thus increasing the pitch angle and enabling the aircraft to climb. Conversely, when the elevator is deflected downward, the tail rises and the nose drops, decreasing the pitch angle and allowing the aircraft to descend.

Understanding the role of the elevator is crucial for pilots as it impacts their ability to maintain controlled flight, especially during takeoff and landing phases, where pitch attitude is vital for safe operations. Other flight control surfaces mentioned, such as ailerons, flaps, and slats, serve different functions: ailerons control roll, flaps enhance lift and drag during low-speed flight, and slats improve airflow over the wings at higher angles of attack, but none of them directly control pitch attitude like the elevator does.