Tail planes provide balance, control, and stability to aircraft. They consist of a small adjustable wing and are designed to increase horizontal stability. Fail-safe systems are included in aircraft design to reduce risks, and engineers use various tools to anticipate and prevent problems. Walking on moving parts of aircraft is not recommended.
A tail plane is a device located on or near the tail of an aircraft to provide balance, control, and stability. The tailplane consists of a small wing, usually adjustable to allow the pilot more control over the aircraft. Not all aircraft use this mechanism and in those that do, it is usually easily visible, making it easy for people to identify the systems used to stabilize the aircraft.
There are several tailplane designs available, and the term “horizontal stabilizer” may also be used, referring to the fact that it is horizontal relative to the aircraft and helps increase stability. There are a number of advantages to including a tailplane in an aircraft design, including greater balance in the air and a reduced tendency to wobble in flight. The adjustable nature of the device also makes it possible for the pilot to control the pitch of the aircraft. Raising or lowering the tailplane can pitch an aircraft up or down, allowing the pilot to adjust the plane as needed during flight.
Aircraft are designed with a series of fail-safe systems to reduce the risks of catastrophic events while the aircraft is in flight. Aircraft with a tailplane have other features intended to increase horizontal stability and if a problem arises in flight with one of these systems, others are designed to compensate until the aircraft can land safely. Engineers routinely check aircraft for signs of malfunction, such as faulty wiring to a tailplane that could make it difficult to trim in flight.
The size and shape of the tail planes can vary, depending on the aircraft. Designers must take into account the speeds used during flight when developing a design, as too large a stabilizer could interfere with the function of the aircraft at high speeds. It can also be difficult to adjust the lift portion of the tailplane at very high speeds, since the pressure on the moving parts can be very high. Engineers working on designs for new aircraft use a variety of tools to predict how the aircraft’s characteristics will perform while in operation, with the goal of anticipating and preventing obvious problems.
While people service and inspect aircraft, walking on the moving parts of the aircraft is generally not recommended. People could damage the mechanical systems used in these parts, and there is a possibility of injury. Aircraft technicians generally receive extensive training on how to conduct themselves around aircraft to limit the risks of damage or injury.
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