The empennage, commonly referred to as the tail or tail assembly, is a basic part of an airplane that occupies the rear section of an airplane and fulfills a crucial role in maintaining stability throughout flight. It’s interesting to note the parallels between the empennage and the feathers on an arrow, as both enhance stability and control. The term “empennage” itself has French origins, derived from the French word “empenner,” which translates to “to feather an arrow.”
What Are the Parts of an Airplane Tail Assembly?
The parts of an airplane’s tail assembly are vital to its aerodynamic performance. The vertical stabilizer, one of the key elements, stands vertically at the aircraft’s rear, contributing to its stability by counteracting adverse yaw— the unwanted twisting or rotation of the aircraft’s nose during flight. Connected to the vertical stabilizer is the rudder, a movable control surface that allows the pilot to exert control over the aircraft’s yaw, enabling precise directional changes.
The elevator, another integral part of the airplane tail assembly, is typically found at the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer. The elevator controls the aircraft’s pitch, allowing the pilot to adjust the aircraft’s nose-up or nose-down attitude, thereby controlling the climb or descent.
The horizontal stabilizer maintains longitudinal stability by countering the aircraft’s tendency to pitch up or down. It serves as a reference surface for the elevator, providing stability and control during level flight and changes in altitude.
Additionally, the tail assembly may feature static wicks, which are small, pointed devices installed on the trailing edges of the empennage. These wicks dissipate any accumulated static electricity generated by the aircraft’s movement through the air, reducing the risk of electrical interference with critical communication and navigation systems.
