What is primarily used to control roll and pitch?

The primary control used to manage roll and pitch in an aircraft is the joystick, often referred to as the control yoke in some airplane configurations. The joystick or yoke allows the pilot to move the aircraft in a three-dimensional space. Specifically, moving it forward or backward adjusts the pitch, which controls the angle of the nose of the aircraft in relation to the horizon. Conversely, moving the stick side to side influences the roll, which tilts the wings of the aircraft to either side, affecting its lateral attitude.

In contrast, other options serve different functions. The throttle is primarily responsible for controlling engine power, which affects speed but not directly pitch or roll. Rudder pedals are mainly used for controlling the yaw, which is the rotation of the aircraft around its vertical axis. Trim controls help fine-tune the aircraft's flight attitude to relieve the pilot of continuous control pressure but do not directly manipulate roll or pitch on their own. Thus, the joystick is essential for controlling the fundamental maneuvers of roll and pitch during flight.