Vintage Aviation News

APRIL 18, 2025

The F-14s unique roll control setup, which relies on differential horizontal stabilizers and spoilers rather than traditional ailerons, provided effective control at various speeds but also introduced side forces that could contribute to spin entry. View of the cockpit of NASA’s F-14, tail number 991.

Horizontal Stabilizer 52

Horizontal Stabilizer Aileron Tail Airfoil 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Remember that wings, propeller blades, and tail surfaces are airfoil-shaped. Ice build-up on the airframe changes the airflow pattern around these airfoils. It most commonly forms on the leading edges of your aircraft, including the wings, tail, and horizontal stabilizer, as well as on the propeller blades and pitot tubes.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Drag Lift Airfoil 52

Plane and Pilot

DECEMBER 16, 2024

For one thing, the F2s fuselage hangs from a completely new wing with two distinct airfoil shapes. An obvious discontinuity leads to a thinner airfoil inboard. The previous CTs had a stabilator for pitch, where the new F2 uses a more conventional elevator and fixed horizontal stabilizer.

Airplanes 98

Airplanes Rudder Aileron Crosswind 98

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 3, 2024

The airfoil is a Harry Riblett shape, giving modernized flow separation on the leading edge for a soft stall yet with good lift and drag performance. Just recognizable in the background is a horizontal stabilizer and one-piece elevator. Once you’re licensed (and, of course, checked out), climb aboard the Gweduck—yup, it’s big!

Airplanes 77

Airplanes Rudder Knot Aileron 77