Ask Captain Dan: What is the function of the wings and the vertical fin at the back of an airplane ? Our Resident Pilot Answers Flight Questions.

HeadlinesNewsTravel

Toronto ON – Pilot Dan Baz is answering your flying questions here on the Cornwall Free News.

 

If you have a question about flying you can email Captain Dan or post below.

 

Question

What is the function of the wings and the vertical fin at the back of an airplane ?
Question asked by Dale.

Answer

 

The small horizontal surface that looks like a small wing at the back of an airplane is called a horizontal stabilizer.  It stabilizes pitch movement of the airplane (nose  up down movement).  Attached to the aft edge of the horizontal stabilizer is a movable surface called elevator.  The elevator is controlled by the pilots’ control wheels.  When the elevator is moved, it generates aerodynamic forces to increase or lower the pitch attitude of the airplane.  This makes the airplane to climb or to descend.
.
The vertical fin at the back of the airplane stabilizes the left and right yaw movement of the airplane.  Also at the aft edge of the vertical stabilizer is a movable surface called rudder.  The rudder is controlled by pilots’ rudder pedals.  When the rudder is moved, it generates aerodynamic forces to assist in turning the airplane to the left or right.

A bit more about Captain Dan:

 

Captain Dan Baz enrolled in Flight School at the age of 16.

He has completed studies in Aircraft Engineering and Master of Business Administration. He has been at the controls of many different types of aircraft, from single engine Cessnas to large intercontinental jets on global routes.

Over the last four decades he has flown thousands of hours up in the blue sky.

 

Have a question for the Captain ?  Send it to Captain Dan Baz    captaindanbaz@yahoo.com Every week a question from the readers will be selected and answer posted in this column.

 

Best Western

Leave a Reply