Which feature assists in controlling the angle of attack in flight?

The feature that assists in controlling the angle of attack in flight is the elevator trim tabs. Elevator trim tabs are small control surfaces attached to the trailing edge of the elevator that help maintain the desired pitch attitude of the aircraft without requiring constant input from the pilot. By adjusting the trim tabs, pilots can relieve control pressure and achieve a stable attitude, which is crucial for managing the angle of attack.

An appropriate angle of attack is important for optimizing lift and preventing stalls. When trim tabs are adjusted, they change the aerodynamic effectiveness of the elevator, allowing for fine-tuning of the aircraft’s pitch. This capability aids the pilot in controlling the angle of attack during different phases of flight, especially during climb, cruise, and descent.

While flaps can enhance lift and alter the aircraft's behavior at various angles of attack, they serve a different primary purpose related to increasing lift at lower speeds rather than directly controlling the angle of attack itself. Stall strips improve airflow over the wings to delay stalls but do not have a direct role in controlling pitch or angle of attack. Rudders are primarily used for directional control and maintaining coordinated flight rather than managing the angle of attack. Thus, elevator trim tabs best describe the feature that actively assists pilots in controlling the angle of attack