The word "tail plane" refers to the horizontal stabilizer at the back of an airplane. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /teɪl pleɪn/. As per IPA, the first syllable "tail" is spelled as /teɪl/ and pronounced as "tale," while the second syllable "plane" is spelled as /pleɪn/ and pronounced as "plain." This word's accurate spelling and pronunciation help to avoid miscommunication in aviation language for pilots and air traffic control.
The term "tail plane" refers to an integral component of an aircraft's tail assembly. It is commonly known as the horizontal stabilizer or horizontal tail, which is located at the rear of the aircraft. The tail plane is specifically designed to provide stability, control, and balance to an aircraft during flight.
Functionally, the tail plane helps to maintain the aircraft's desired attitude in flight. By generating lift, it counters the pitch instability caused by the wing's lift. This horizontal stabilizer contributes to the balance of an aircraft, preventing excessive pitching movements, and allowing the pilot to control the aircraft more precisely.
Typically, the tail plane consists of a fixed non-moving surface, commonly referred to as the horizontal stabilizer, and a movable surface known as the elevator. The elevator is attached to the trailing edge of the stabilizer and can move up or down. This movement allows the pilot to adjust the pitch of the aircraft, enabling changes in altitude.
The tail plane is usually mounted on top of the fuselage or at the rear end of the vertical stabilizer. It comes in various shapes and sizes depending on the size, design, and purpose of the aircraft. The size and position of the tail plane are carefully calculated during the design process to ensure stable flight characteristics for the specific aircraft configuration.
In summary, the tail plane serves as an essential component of an aircraft's tail assembly, contributing to its stability, control, and balance during flight.
The term "tail plane" has its origins in the field of aviation.
The word "tail" refers to the rear section or end of an aircraft, usually containing the tail fin and horizontal stabilizer. The term dates back to the early 20th century and is derived from the Middle English word "tayl", which originally meant the back end of an animal.
The word "plane" refers to a flat or level surface. In the context of aviation, it specifically refers to the main wing surfaces of an aircraft. The term comes from the Latin word "plānum", meaning flat or level.
When combined, "tail plane" refers to the horizontal stabilizer, which is an aerodynamic surface at the rear of the aircraft that helps stabilize its pitch (upward and downward movement).