Which flight control is primarily used for pitch control?

The elevator is the primary flight control used for pitch control. In an aircraft, the elevator is located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail and is responsible for controlling the aircraft's nose up or down attitude. When the pilot moves the yoke or control stick back, the elevator deflects upward, which increases the angle of attack on the tail and causes the nose to rise. Conversely, pushing the yoke forward causes the elevator to deflect downward, lowering the nose.

Understanding this is crucial for a CFI because effective pitch control is essential for maintaining the desired flight path and altitude. Other flight controls, like ailerons, are used for roll control, and the rudder is used for yaw control during turns and crosswind operations. Flaps, while they contribute to lift and drag at lower speeds, do not primarily control pitch but rather affect the overall performance of the aircraft during specific phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.