AFOQT Practice Test

Where is the horizontal stabilizer located on an aircraft?

1. At the rear end of the tail structure

2. At the front end of the tail structure

3. Under the wings

4. At the nose of the aircraft

The correct answer is: At the front end of the tail structure

The horizontal stabilizer is indeed located at the rear end of the tail structure. Its primary function is to provide stability in pitch, counteracting the tendencies of the aircraft to pitch up or down during flight. Typically, this stabilizer consists of a fixed surface that helps maintain a level flight attitude and is integral to the overall aerodynamic stability of the aircraft. The other options refer to areas where horizontal stabilizers are not found. The front end of the tail structure is where the elevator is often located, and under the wings generally pertains to the wing structure itself, which is crucial for lift, but not for pitch stability. The nose of the aircraft is primarily focused on design for aerodynamics and housing instrumentation rather than stability control surfaces.