Pitch Control (Elevator)

081-05-02Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Elevator

The primary control surface for pitch (rotation around lateral axis).

  • Location: Hinged to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer.
  • Action:
    • Stick Back: Elevator UP -> Tail Down force varies (increases/decreases depending on trim) -> Nose Pitches UP.
    • Stick Forward: Elevator DOWN -> Tail Up force -> Nose Pitches DOWN.

Stabilator (All-Moving Tail)

Instead of a fixed stabilizer and a movable elevator, the entire horizontal tail surface moves.

  • Efficiency: More efficient at high Mach numbers (prevents shock-induced separation on the elevator hinge).
  • Control Forces: Very low aerodynamic loads on the stick, so Anti-Balance Tabs or artificial feel units are required to give the pilot resistance.

Variable Incidence Stabilizer

Used for Trimming on large transport aircraft (THS - Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer).

  • The Elevator is used for short-term control (maneuvering).
  • The Stabilizer moves to trim out long-term forces (changing CG, speed changes).
  • Advantage: Keeps the elevator streamlined with the stabilizer, preserving full elevator travel for maneuvering.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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