Why This Small But Critical Tool Is Needed By Some Boeing 737s At Airports

Both aircraft and ships need to be careful to maintain balance. Ships have ballasts that help them remain stable and prevent them from rolling over and capsizing. For aircraft, it’s a little different. The weight of the aircraft needs to be carefully calculated, including the weight of the passengers and fuel, and properly distributed. Sometimes, aircraft require a rear fuselage support, known as a tail stand, to prevent them from tipping over backward onto their tails while unloading and loading.