What is the function of the elevator on an aircraft?

The elevator is a vital control surface located on the tail section of an aircraft, and its primary function is to control the pitch of the aircraft. Pitch refers to the up or down movement of the aircraft’s nose. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick back, the elevator deflects upward, causing the tail of the aircraft to lower and the nose to rise, resulting in a climb. Conversely, moving the yoke or stick forward causes the elevator to deflect downward, raising the tail and lowering the nose, resulting in a descent. Understanding the role of the elevator is crucial for pilots as it directly affects the aircraft's altitude and flight path during maneuvers.

The other options pertain to different axes of movement: roll is controlled by the ailerons, yaw is managed by the rudder, and stabilization involves a combination of all flight control surfaces rather than a single function.