Definition 1 of 2
Definition
The exhaust duct at the rear of a turbine engine through which spent combustion gases are discharged to produce thrust. On reciprocating engines, it is the section of the exhaust system that carries burned gases from the muffler or exhaust manifold overboard.
Plain English
The pipe at the back end of an engine that lets the burned gases escape. On a jet, the gases leaving this pipe are what push the aircraft forward.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight and maintenance inspections of the engine exhaust area.
Derivation
“Tail” means the rear end of something, and “pipe” means a tube that carries gas or liquid. In this term, the “tail” is the rear end of the exhaust path, not necessarily the tail of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
A cracked or leaking tailpipe can allow carbon monoxide into the cabin or create a fire hazard from escaping heat.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a tail pipe is a pipe located in the aircraft’s tail. It is the rear pipe of the engine exhaust system, wherever that system is installed.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight inspection, the mechanic checked the tail pipe for cracks and signs of overheating.
Example Sentence 2
A damaged tailpipe on the piston engine allowed exhaust fumes to enter the cabin on the next flight.