Pitch

Computer animation of the Wright 1902 aircraft showing the nose moving up and down.

One of the major breakthroughs of the Wright brothers was the ability to control and maneuver their aircraft. The first aircraft to achieve complete control in all three directions was the 1902 aircraft which is shown in this animation. The animation demonstrates the pitch motion of the aircraft. This is characterized by an up and down movement of the aircraft nose. The Wright brothers achieved pitch control by an elevator placed at the front of the aircraft. The angle of attack of the elevator could be changed by the pilot in flight.