The hinged rear portion of the longitudinal stabilizing surface or tail plane of an aircraft used to obtain longitudinal- or pitch-control moments. The angular setting of the elevator is controlled by the human or automatic pilot through the flight-control system. A typical elevator control surface is shown in the illustration. See also Flight controls.

Elevator control surface (left-hand side).

The elevator is used to perform pitching maneuvers, or maneuvers in which the aircraft's plane of symmetry is not disturbed. These maneuvers include airspeed adjustments and acceleration normal to the flight path (pull-ups or push-downs). The elevator also serves to adjust the aircraft's attitude with respect to the ground for takeoff and landing.

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