Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the event of a loss of elevator control, the most immediate action to take is to extend the landing gear. This action serves multiple purposes; primarily, it increases drag on the aircraft, which can help to slow down the descent or reduce the climb rate, depending on the situation. Extending the landing gear allows the pilot to gain better control of the aircraft's attitude and descent rate, and it also prepares the aircraft for a possible emergency landing.

If the landing gear is not extended, the aircraft could continue to lose altitude rapidly, making recovery more difficult. By extending the gear, the pilot can create additional aerodynamic effects that may aid in controlling the aircraft's behavior during this critical situation. This action should occur before attempting any other maneuvers like adjusting the throttle or managing trim—in a scenario where elevator control is lost, maintaining control and preparing for a safe landing is of utmost importance.