Definition
The ability of the elevator (the movable horizontal control surface on the tail) to produce a pitch change in response to control inputs. Elevator effectiveness depends on smooth airflow over the horizontal tailplane; when that airflow is disrupted — for example by ice contamination or a tailplane stall — the elevator loses its ability to control pitch normally, even though the pilot is still moving the control column.
Plain English
How well the elevator is actually working to raise or lower the nose. If airflow over the tail is disturbed, the elevator may feel heavy, light, or unresponsive, and pulling or pushing the controls won't produce the usual pitch response.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of tailplane stalls, especially when ice on the tail affects how the airplane responds to elevator movement.
Derivation
“Elevator” comes from a word meaning “to raise.” In aircraft, the elevator was named because it helps raise or lower the airplane’s nose. “Effectiveness” means how much real result something produces, so elevator effectiveness means how much nose-control result the elevator is actually producing.
Why Pilots Care
Reduced elevator effectiveness can produce sudden pitch changes or loss of pitch control, directly affecting safety during icing encounters.
Grounding Statement
If the pilot moves the yoke or stick and the nose does not respond normally, elevator effectiveness may be reduced.
Intuition Check
Do not read “elevator” as a device that lifts the whole airplane like a building elevator. Here, it is the tail control surface that helps raise or lower the airplane’s nose. Do not read “effectiveness” as simply “working or broken.” Here, it means how much control result the elevator is actually producing.
Example Sentence 1
After picking up ice on the tailplane, the crew noticed a sudden loss of elevator effectiveness when they extended the flaps for landing.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot maintained control by recognizing the loss of elevator effectiveness and applying proper recovery technique.