noun
- the horizontal stabilizing surfaces at the rear of an aircraft
Usage: aviation; plural of tailplane
Examples
- The aircraft’s tailplanes help maintain stable flight.
- Ice formation on the tailplanes can affect control.
- The pilot checked the tailplanes during the pre-flight inspection.
- Modern jets have swept-back tailplanes for better aerodynamics.
- The tailplanes work together with the rudder to control the aircraft.
- Damage to the tailplanes required immediate maintenance.