What component is primarily responsible for controlling pitch?

The elevator is primarily responsible for controlling pitch because it is the component of the aircraft that directly affects the angle of the tailplane or horizontal stabilizer. When the elevator is deflected upward, it increases the angle of attack of the tail, causing the nose of the aircraft to rise; conversely, when the elevator is deflected downward, it decreases the angle of attack of the tail, causing the nose to lower. This mechanism allows pilots to control the aircraft's ascent and descent, making the elevator an essential flight control surface for managing pitch.

In contrast, ailerons primarily control roll movements, enabling the aircraft to bank left or right. The rudder manages yaw, which helps to control the left and right movement of the aircraft's nose. Wing flaps, while they do influence lift and drag during flight, are primarily used for takeoff and landing configurations, and their impact on pitch is indirect by modifying lift distribution rather than being a dedicated control for pitch itself.