Which aircraft control is primarily responsible for maintaining altitude during level flight?

The elevator is the primary control surface responsible for maintaining altitude during level flight. Located on the horizontal stabilizer at the tail of the aircraft, the elevator controls the pitch, which is the up and down movement of the aircraft's nose. When the pilot pulls back on the control yoke or stick, the elevator moves upward, increasing the angle of attack and generating more lift, thereby causing the aircraft to climb. Conversely, pushing the control forward decreases the angle of attack, leading to a descent.

In level flight, maintaining a constant altitude requires precise adjustments of the elevator to manage the aircraft's lift countering weight. When the desired altitude is reached, the pilot must neutralize any inputs to the elevator, allowing the airplane to maintain a steady flight path. Other controls, such as ailerons and the rudder, primarily affect lateral stability and direction rather than altitude. The throttle controls engine power, which indirectly affects altitude but is not the primary control for maintaining level flight.