Why do some jet airliners have "T Tails"?

ar

By ar Mon Feb 6, 2017

Looking at different jet airliner configurations, you will notice that the wings are generally located on the bottom of the fuselage, and that engines nacelles are mounted either below the wing on pylons, as on every current Boeing or Airbus jet, or on either side of the rear fuselage, like the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family or Bombardier CRJ Series. Aircraft with wing-mounted engines have what are called conventional tails, with tall narrow vertical fins centered on the fuselage, and horizontal stabilizers mounted on either side of the aircraft’s tail cone. Aircraft with rear-mounted engines have what are called “T-Tails.” Throughout history, jetliners with rear-mounted engines such as the DC-9, Russian Tu-154, and British BAC 111, Trident, and Super VC-10, have had shorter and wider vertical stabilizers with their horizontal tail planes mounted on top of the fin. These are called T-Tails because of their shape when viewed from the front of the airplane. The primary reason for this placement is to keep the horizontal stabilizer up in “clean air,” away from turbulent air created by the wing and engine nacelles. T-Tails also have a streamlined fairing at the top of the fin to ensure optimum airflow, and to house the mechanisms controlling pitch of the horizontal stabilizers for proper trim.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why
Airline News

This Canadian airline flies 49-year-old aircraft: we tell you why

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation
Airline News

LATAM 777’s high-stakes rejected takeoff in São Paulo prompts an investigation

Feb 18, 2026

Josh Wood
Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing
Airline News

Why Emirates built its airline around two aircraft - and why that’s changing

Feb 13, 2026

Nicholas Ling

Featured articles

View more
NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport
Airline News

NTSB Final Report: causes of the midair collision at Reagan National Airport

Feb 19, 2026

Josh Wood
This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul
Airline News

This review proves that low cost carriers aren't always cheaper: AirAsia X vs Malaysia Airlines long haul

Feb 12, 2026

Airline Ratings
AirAsia X low cost flights to London are back!
Airline News

AirAsia X low cost flights to London are back!

Feb 12, 2026

Josh Wood
 TransNusa Perth to Bali review
Airline News

TransNusa Perth to Bali review

Feb 4, 2026

Chris Parry