Stabilizer

Stabilizer refers to the horizontal tail surface that provides pitch stability and control. On most modern aircraft, the entire horizontal stabilizer is adjustable (trimmable) to balance the aircraft for different speeds, weights, and configurations — this is distinct from the elevator, which provides short-term pitch control.

• Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS): moves the entire surface for trim
• The stabilizer sets the baseline pitch attitude; the elevator makes fine adjustments
• Stabilizer runaway (uncommanded movement) is a critical emergency
• T-tail aircraft have the stabilizer mounted on top of the vertical fin
• Must be set to the correct takeoff trim position before departure