Private Pilot Private Exam

What is the main purpose of the horizontal stabilizer on an aircraft?

1. To provide additional lift

2. To control yaw during flight

3. To stabilize the pitch

4. To increase drag

The correct answer is: To stabilize the pitch

The horizontal stabilizer plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pitch of an aircraft. Pitch refers to the up-and-down movement of the airplane's nose, and the horizontal stabilizer helps maintain this orientation in a steady and controlled manner. By providing a counteracting force to any changes in pitch due to aerodynamic forces, the horizontal stabilizer ensures that the aircraft remains balanced. When an aircraft is in flight, any disturbance, whether from turbulence, maneuvers, or other factors, can lead to undesired changes in pitch. The horizontal stabilizer's design and positioning allow it to effectively counteract these disturbances, therefore enhancing the overall stability of the aircraft. This enables the pilot to maintain a consistent flight path and altitude, making it vital for smooth and safe operation. The other options, while they may relate to different components or aspects of aircraft design and control, do not accurately describe the primary function of the horizontal stabilizer. There are specific control surfaces and other elements responsible for changes in lift, yaw, and drag, indicating that the stabilizer's fundamental contribution lies in pitch stabilization.