Clearance Horizontal Stabilizer Rudder 
Flying Magazine
JUNE 30, 2025
In general, tailwheel airplanes do well on unimproved airstrips because of prop clearance and, with larger main gear tires, the ability to handle ruts and uneven ground. There are gap seals between the elevator and horizontal stabilizer, and the rudder and vertical stabilizer. However, they are not magic.
Vintage Aviation News
NOVEMBER 8, 2024
image via AirCorps Aviation) The horizontal stabilizer mounting area almost looks like a piece of furniture. image via AirCorps Aviation) Wooden spacers hold the vertical stabilizer in position as the assemblies are checked for proper fit and clearance. Clear and straight grain is necessary in this application.
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Vintage Aviation News
DECEMBER 15, 2024
The X-4 had no horizontal stabilizer in order to avoid interaction of shockwaves between the wings but had a vertical stabilizer and rudder. For better maintenance access, the small tail of the aircraft could be removed to work on or remove the engines. Today, both X-4s remain in existence.
Photographic Logbook
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
Beating the Odds I called for and received taxi clearance to the museum and started rolling. Dan received the same clearance. Dan received his taxi clearance, then offered that the whole process works better when the chocks are removed before engine start. Mere recollection of the incident was enough to make me blush.
Plane and Pilot
DECEMBER 16, 2024
The previous CTs had a stabilator for pitch, where the new F2 uses a more conventional elevator and fixed horizontal stabilizer. With the F2, the rudder and vertical stabilizer are changed, with the rudder becoming a much smaller surface than before. Well see about that. In this case, nothing.
Plane and Pilot
OCTOBER 3, 2024
An elegantly simple rope system inside the fuselage raises and lowers the Gweduck’s water rudder mounted inside the base of the main rudder (right). From the pilot’s seat it cruises near effortlessly and handles nimbly on land or water with a great combination of stability and modest control pressures. So what would I fix?
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