Ever wonder how airplanes prevent trailstrikes? Tailstrikes are a concern for pilots. As the name suggests, they involve the tail of an airplane — specifically the underside of the tail or rear fuselage — striking the runway.
Nearly all types of airplanes are susceptible to tailstrikes. When a tailstrike occurs, it may only cause superficial damage in the form of scratches. In severe cases, however, it can compromise the airplane’s structural integrity. Fortunately, there are safeguards in place to protect against tailstrikes.
Training
Well-trained pilots are less likely to experience tailstrikes than their counterparts with less training. According to Boeing, most instances of tailstrikes involve pilots with fewer than 100 hours of flight time with the respective airplane model. Therefore, many airplanes push their pilots to undergo more training, especially when transitioning to a new airplane model.
Weather Avoidance
When possible, pilots may avoid flying in bad weather to minimize the risk of tailstrikes. Inclement or bad weather is a risk factor for tailstrikes. Whether an airplane is preparing to take off or land, a strong gust of wind may cause its tail to strike the weather. Rather than taking this risk, airlines and pilots may wait until the weather has passed before attempting to take off or land.
Tailskids
There are devices with which airplanes can be fitted to protect them from tailstrikes. Known as tailskids, they are designed to absorb the force of impact, thereby protecting the airplane’s tail and undercarriage from damage during the event of a tailstrike.
Tailskids are classified as sacrificial devices, meaning they typically succumb to damage when exposed to the runway. Nonetheless, they are highly effective at protecting airplanes from tailstrikes. Once a tailskid has been damaged, it can be replaced.
Tail Bumpers
In addition to tailskids, there are tail bumpers. Tail bumpers serve the same purpose as tailskids: they are designed to absorb the force of impact if a tailstrike occurs. Tail bumpers act as bumper-style protection devices. If an airplane’s tail begins to approach the runway, the tail bumper will take the hit rather than the tail or undercarriage itself.
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution, or lack thereof, can affect an airplane’s risk of tailstrikes. Tailstrikes involve an airplane’s tail sagging and striking the runway. They can occur during takeoffs or landings. Tailstrikes, though, are more likely to occur when the weight of an airplane isn’t properly distributed. If most of the airplane’s weight is in the rear, for example, the risk of tailstrikes will increase.
