This is a common configuration known as a T-tail.
In a T-tail, the horizontal stabilizer (the small wing-like surface that controls pitch) is mounted at the top of the vertical stabilizer (the fin), rather than at the base of the fuselage. This creates a “T” shape when viewed from the front or rear. On a small RC plane, the propeller is often a massive percentage of the airframe’s size relative to a full-scale plane. If you have a conventional tail (horizontal stab low on the fuselage), the tail surfaces are constantly flying through the turbulent, spiraling slipstream (prop wash) coming off the propeller.
As the horizontal stabilizer sits up high, above the prop arc and the turbulent wake of the wing, the elevator is sitting in clean, undisturbed air. This results in:
-
-
Smoother pitch control: Less “jittery” behavior during throttle changes.
-
Better low-speed handling: When landing or taking off, the elevator remains effective even if the fuselage is at a high angle of attack.
-