What is the function of the tail skid?

What is the function of the tail skid?

• A. It protects the tail during takeoff and landing when down.
• B. It reduces drag in cruise.
• C. It stores tail fuel.
• D. It stabilizes yaw.

Answer: (A)

Tail skids are protective devices at the rear of the aircraft that are designed to hit the ground first if the tail comes down during takeoff or landing. Their main job is to take the impact and abrasion, shielding the tail structure, elevator, and empennage from damage that tail strikes can cause. They aren’t meant to reduce drag in cruise, store fuel, or stabilize yaw—the tail skid’s purpose is protection during rotation and touchdown when the tail might be down.

Tail skids are protective devices at the rear of the aircraft that are designed to hit the ground first if the tail comes down during takeoff or landing. Their main job is to take the impact and abrasion, shielding the tail structure, elevator, and empennage from damage that tail strikes can cause. They aren’t meant to reduce drag in cruise, store fuel, or stabilize yaw—the tail skid’s purpose is protection during rotation and touchdown when the tail might be down.