Tailplane (Noun)
Meaning
The horizontal airfoil of an aircraft's tail assembly that is fixed and to which the elevator is hinged.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The tailplane is typically located at the rear of the aircraft and provides stability during flight.
- As the aircraft pitches up or down, the tailplane remains fixed, while the elevator moves to control the plane's angle of attack.
- The design of the tailplane can significantly impact the overall stability and handling characteristics of an aircraft.
- In a typical tail assembly, the tailplane is mounted on the fuselage or fin, and the elevator is hinged to its trailing edge.
- During pre-flight inspection, pilots often check the tailplane for any signs of damage or wear that could affect its performance.