AFOQT Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of the tail (empennage) of an aircraft?

1. To provide thrust during takeoff

2. To enhance maneuverability

3. To provide stability

4. To support the main wings

The correct answer is: To provide stability

The primary purpose of the tail, or empennage, of an aircraft is to provide stability. The empennage typically includes horizontal and vertical stabilizers that help maintain the aircraft's equilibrium and prevent unwanted movements. The horizontal stabilizer is crucial for controlling pitch, while the vertical stabilizer plays a vital role in managing yaw. Together, they ensure that the aircraft remains stable in flight, allowing for smoother and safer handling during various flying conditions. Stability is essential for maintaining a steady flight path, especially during climbs, descents, and turns. While enhancing maneuverability and supporting the main wings are important aspects of an aircraft’s design, those features do not capture the primary function of the empennage as effectively as stability does. The thrust during takeoff is primarily generated by the aircraft's engines, not the tail. Thus, the tail's main focus is fundamentally about ensuring the aircraft’s stability in various flight scenarios.