What is the primary purpose of elevators on a conventional airplane?

Elevators are critical components located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail of a conventional airplane. Their primary function is to control the pitch of the aircraft by rotating it about the lateral axis, which runs from wingtip to wingtip. When the pilot moves the control yoke or stick forward or backward, the elevators deflect up or down, respectively. This action causes the nose of the aircraft to rise or fall, allowing the pilot to control the aircraft's angle of attack and altitude.

This function is pivotal for managing the flight path of the aircraft, particularly during takeoff, landing, and in maintaining balance during flight. By controlling the aircraft's pitch attitude, the elevators ensure safe and effective maneuverability in the air. Understanding this allows one to grasp how various control surfaces on an aircraft work together to manage different flight dynamics.