Private Pilot Private Exam

What happens when elevator controls are adjusted during a flight?

1. The airplane’s yaw is affected

2. The airplane’s pitch is controlled

3. The airplane’s roll is influenced

4. The airplane’s drag increases significantly

The correct answer is: The airplane’s pitch is controlled

Elevator controls are primarily responsible for managing the pitch of an airplane, which refers to the angle of the aircraft's nose in relation to the horizon. When the elevator is adjusted, it alters the airflow over the tail surfaces, resulting in either an upward or downward rotation of the aircraft's nose. This action directly influences the angle of attack and, consequently, the lift generated by the wings. Adjusting the elevator controls effectively allows the pilot to climb, descend, or maintain level flight. A significant aspect of pitch control is that it helps maintain coordinated flight and allows the pilot to respond to various flight conditions, including changing altitude or speed. The other choices do not accurately describe the effects of elevator adjustments. For instance, while yaw and roll are influenced by other flight control surfaces such as the rudder and ailerons, respectively, these systems play no part in what the elevator does. Similarly, while drag may be affected indirectly due to changes in pitch, a significant increase in drag is not a direct consequence of elevator control adjustments. Thus, the focus remains on how elevator adjustments are integral specifically to controlling the airplane's pitch.