Pitch

In the aerospace context, pitch refers to the rotation of an aircraft or spacecraft around its lateral axis, which runs from the nose to the tail.

Pitch is measured in degrees, and it is the angle between the aircraft's longitudinal axis (which runs from wingtip to wingtip) and the horizon.

Examples of pitch in the aerospace context include:

• Takeoff and landing: During takeoff and landing, the pilot must control the pitch angle of the aircraft to ensure that it is at the correct angle for lift-off and landing.

• Climbing and descending: During flight, the pilot must control the pitch angle of the aircraft to control its altitude, by adjusting the angle of the aircraft's nose up or down.

• Maneuvers: During maneuvers such as loops and rolls, the pilot must control the pitch angle of the aircraft to control its movement.

• Autopilot: In modern aircraft, the autopilot system controls the pitch angle of the aircraft to maintain a stable flight.

• Spacecraft attitude control: In spacecraft, pitch is one of the three angles that are used to describe the spacecraft's attitude, or orientation, in space. Pitch, roll and yaw are used to orient a spacecraft in the desired direction.

Pitch is one of the three axes of rotation for an aircraft or spacecraft, the other two being roll and yaw. The pilot or the autopilot system must control the pitch angle of the aircraft or spacecraft to maintain a stable flight or to execute maneuvers. Understanding and controlling pitch is an essential aspect of aircraft and spacecraft design, operation, and control.