The term was originally coined by North American Aviation Company to
describe the new powered stabilator on their F86E. Prior to the E model, the
Sabre had a conventional horizontal stabilizer. The E had boosted controls
all around and an artificial sensing feedback into the stick that duplicated
normal stick forces for the pilot. Very innovative, and the harbinger of
things that came after. Made it much easier to control the 86 in pitch as
the shock wave going through the transonic region passed the stabilizer. No
elevator....no hinge to trap the shock wave....very smooth transonic
transition for the 86.
Your generic ole' Cherokee 140 has a flying tail........not boosted of
course...unless somebody tries to lift the airplane by the tail while
pushing it on the ground which is usually met by the owner of the bird with
threats of bodily harm and injury :-))
Dudley Henriques


"Jose" wrote in message
et...
In the context of aircraft said to have a "flying tail", what does
"flying" mean? I mean, if the tail isn't flying, neither is the airplane,
right?

Jose
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