What is a horizontal stabilizer on a plane?

A horizontal stabilizer is the small, horizontal tail at the rear of an aircraft that prevents the up-and-down motion of the nose of the plane. Attached to the horizontal stabilizer is a small moving section with hinges, which is called an elevator.

A horizontal stabilizer may be attached to the tail cone or attached to a movable surface. If the horizontal stabilizer is designed to provide pitch trim, then the pilot may do so by using the hydraulic actuator to move the leading edge of the stabilizer up and down to change the trim of the aircraft. Horizontal stabilizers are constructed of wood, steel tubing, sheet metal or composite materials.