What does the elevater do on a plane?

Answer 1

It changes the profile of the wing and so changes the lift. If the same change is applied to both wings the plane will gain or lose height. If opposite changes are applied, one wing will drop, the other will rise and the plane will turn.

Answer 2

The elevator on a plane is a control surface located on the tail that is used to control the pitch or the up-and-down motion of the aircraft. By adjusting the elevator, the pilot can control the angle of the plane's nose and determine whether the plane climbs or descends.