AFOQT Practice Test

The rear portion of an aircraft that provides stability is known as what?

1. Wing structure

2. Fuselage

3. Empennage

4. Canopy

The correct answer is: Empennage

The rear portion of an aircraft that provides stability is known as the empennage. This structure includes the horizontal stabilizer and the vertical stabilizer, which work together to maintain a stable flight path. The horizontal stabilizer helps control the pitch of the aircraft, while the vertical stabilizer assists in maintaining directional stability. The empennage plays a crucial role in ensuring that the aircraft remains stable during flight. It prevents unwanted yawing or pitching movements, allowing the pilot to maintain control more effectively. This is particularly important during various phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. In contrast, the wing structure primarily provides lift, while the fuselage serves as the main body of the aircraft that houses passengers and cargo. The canopy is often associated with jet fighters or small aircraft, where it refers to the transparent covering over the cockpit and does not contribute directly to the aircraft's stability.