What is the primary control surface used to manage airspeed during flight?

The throttle controls are the primary means of managing airspeed during flight because they directly influence the power output of the engine. By increasing or decreasing throttle, a pilot can adjust the amount of thrust being produced, which in turn changes the speed of the aircraft.

When the throttle is increased, more engine power is generated, causing the aircraft to accelerate and gain speed. Conversely, reducing throttle decreases engine power, allowing the aircraft to slow down. This capability to control power is crucial for maintaining desired airspeeds during various phases of flight, such as takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing.

In contrast, the ailerons, rudder, and elevator primarily control the aircraft's attitude and direction rather than its speed. Ailerons are used to control roll and bank angle, the rudder manages yaw and directional control, and elevators are primarily responsible for controlling pitch, which impacts the rate of climb or descent but not direct speed adjustments. Thus, the throttle provides the primary control for airspeed management.