elevator

In aviation, an elevator is a movable airfoil, typically attached to the tailplane of an airplane, used for controlling pitch. It works in conjunction with other flight controls like ailerons and the rudder to maneuver the aircraft.12

When the control column is moved forward, the elevator is lowered, causing the aircraft's nose to dip and the tail to rise. Conversely, backward pressure on the control column raises the elevator, lifting the nose and lowering the tail. This control surface is crucial for managing the aircraft's angle of attack and is essential for banking and turning maneuvers. Helicopters achieve lift through rotating airfoils called rotor blades, which function similarly to wings.234