What controls altitude changes in an aircraft?

The elevator is the primary control surface responsible for managing altitude changes in an aircraft. It is located on the tail section and works to control the pitch of the aircraft. When the pilot pulls back on the control yoke or stick, the elevator deflects upwards, causing the tail to move down and the nose of the aircraft to rise, leading to an increase in altitude. Conversely, when the pilot pushes forward, the elevator deflects downwards, causing the tail to move up and the nose to dip, which decreases altitude.

While other control surfaces like ailerons and rudders play crucial roles in the overall handling and maneuverability of the aircraft, they do not directly affect altitude changes. Ailerons control roll and lateral balance, while the rudder is used mainly for yaw and directional control. The throttle, on the other hand, manages engine power and can influence altitude indirectly by increasing or decreasing speed, but it is the elevator that directly controls the aircraft's pitch and thus directly affects its altitude.