Stabilizer (aircraft)

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The tail of a Lufthansa airliner (Airbus A319) in flight, showing the horizontal and vertical stabilizer

For aircraft, the horizontal stabilizer or tailplane is a fixed or adjustable surface from which an elevator may be hinged. In some aircraft models, the entire horizontal stabilizer rotates and functions as an elevator. This combination is often called a stabilator.

A vertical stabilizer (also called a fin) is fixed to the aircraft and supports the rudder.

For aircraft with a V-tail, each stabilizer/fin will support a "ruddervator", combining the functions of both the rudder and the elevator.

The stabilizers (empennage or tail) provide stability while the aircraft is flying straight, and the airfoil of the horizontal stabilizer balances the forces acting on the aircraft.

[edit] See also

American Airlines Flight 587, which crashed after losing its stabilisers. Japan Airlines Flight 123, whose stabilisers were blown off in an explosive decompression.