Empennage refers to the tail assembly of an aircraft or airship, which typically includes the horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and elevator. Its primary function is to provide stability and control during flight, helping to maintain the aircraft's balance and direction. The empennage prevents unwanted yawing and pitching, allowing pilots to steer and stabilize the aircraft effectively. In cybersecurity contexts, the term may occasionally appear in discussions about aviation security, particularly regarding the physical security of aircraft components and their potential vulnerabilities to cyber-physical attacks.