Empennage
Empennage is the tail section of an aircraft that helps control the plane's direction and stability. It's like the rear steering system of an airplane. When looking at job descriptions, you might see this term used when candidates have experience working on aircraft tail assemblies. The empennage includes several important parts like the vertical tail fin (stabilizer) and horizontal surfaces that help keep the aircraft stable during flight. Other common terms for this are "tail assembly" or "tail section."
Examples in Resumes
Led maintenance team responsible for Empennage and Tail Assembly repairs on Boeing aircraft
Supervised manufacturing quality control for Empennage components
Designed improved inspection procedures for Tail Assembly and Empennage structures
Typical job title: "Aircraft Structure Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Aircraft Structure Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a team performing major empennage repairs?
Expected Answer: A senior technician should discuss safety procedures, coordination with other departments, documentation requirements, and how to delegate tasks while maintaining quality control.
Q: What factors do you consider when inspecting an empennage for structural damage?
Expected Answer: Should explain visual inspection methods, common problem areas, documentation procedures, and when to recommend replacement versus repair.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main components of an empennage and their functions?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer, rudder, and elevator in simple terms and explain how they work together.
Q: Describe your experience with empennage maintenance procedures.
Expected Answer: Should discuss routine inspections, common repairs, safety protocols, and documentation requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic safety procedures do you follow when working on the empennage?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of personal protective equipment, proper tool handling, and awareness of surrounding workspace safety.
Q: What are the main materials used in empennage construction?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify common materials like aluminum alloys, composites, and basic fastening systems used in tail assemblies.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic aircraft structure knowledge
- Reading technical drawings
- Basic maintenance procedures
- Safety protocol compliance
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex repair procedures
- Quality inspection
- Documentation management
- Team coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Advanced structural repairs
- Team supervision
- Regulatory compliance oversight
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of basic aircraft safety knowledge
- Unable to read technical drawings
- No hands-on maintenance experience
- Poor understanding of aviation regulations
- Limited knowledge of aircraft structure basics
Related Terms
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