AFOQT Practice Test

What function do elevators serve on an aircraft?

1. To control yaw

2. To provide lateral stability

3. To make the plane go up and down

4. To assist with maneuvering the wings

The correct answer is: To make the plane go up and down

Elevators play a crucial role in an aircraft's flight by controlling the pitch, which is the angle of the nose of the aircraft in relation to the horizon. Their primary function is to enable the aircraft to ascend or descend by altering the airflow over the tail section. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick back, the elevators deflect upward, causing the tail of the plane to drop and the nose to rise, resulting in an increase in altitude. Conversely, pushing the control forward will cause the elevators to deflect downward, which raises the tail and lowers the nose, allowing the aircraft to descend. This control of pitch is essential for maintaining level flight and for changing altitude efficiently. In contrast, the other functions described pertain to different control surfaces or aspects of flight. Yaw is managed by the rudder, lateral stability is maintained through a combination of various design elements such as wings and ailerons, and the maneuvering of wings is associated more with ailerons, which control roll rather than pitch.