What does the elevator primarily control in an aircraft?

The elevator primarily controls pitch in an aircraft. Pitch refers to the up or down movement of the aircraft's nose around the lateral axis. When the pilot pushes forward or pulls back on the control yoke or stick, the elevator moves up or down accordingly, which changes the angle of attack and affects the aircraft's vertical movement. When the elevator is moved up, it causes the tail to push down, resulting in the nose rising; conversely, when it is moved down, the nose will drop. This control is crucial for climbing, descending, and leveling off during flight, as maintaining proper pitch is essential for safe and efficient flight operations.