What aspect of flight is controlled by the elevator?

The elevator is a control surface located on the horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft and is primarily responsible for controlling the pitch of the aircraft. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick forward or backward, the elevator deflects up or down. This deflection alters the airflow over the tail of the aircraft, causing it to pitch nose up or nose down.

When the elevator is deflected upward, it increases the lift on the tail, forcing the nose of the aircraft downward, and when it is deflected downward, the opposite occurs, raising the nose. This control is crucial for maintaining the desired angle of attack, climbing, descending, and achieving stable flight.

The other aspects mentioned, like yaw, roll, and speed, are managed by different control surfaces and systems. Yaw is controlled by the rudder, roll is managed by the ailerons, and speed is regulated through throttle and aerodynamic configuration rather than directly controlled by the elevator.