How do you assess ailerons, elevators, and rudder for free movement?

How do you assess ailerons, elevators, and rudder for free movement?

• A. Move each control through full range; ensure servo and linkages are functioning; confirm limits, trips, and stops.
• B. Visually inspect but do not move the surfaces.
• C. Only check hydraulic pressure with the controls centered.
• D. Rely on cockpit test of movement after removal of components.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to physically verify that each control surface can move freely through its full range and that the linkage and actuating components operate smoothly. By moving the ailerons, elevators, and rudder by hand or via the cockpit controls, you confirm there’s no binding, abnormal resistance, or interference in the control cables, push-pull rods, bellcranks, or servos. You’re also checking that the surfaces reach their intended limits and that the stops or limit screws will prevent overtravel. This kind of check catches issues like binding hardware, loose components, misadjusted or damaged linkages, and surfaces that could drift or become stuck, which is essential for safe handling in flight. Visually inspecting without movement misses a lot of potential problems, and checking hydraulic pressure alone won’t reveal mechanical binding or incorrect travel. Relying on a cockpit test after removing components or other partial checks won’t expose issues in the primary control paths and could be dangerous.

The main idea is to physically verify that each control surface can move freely through its full range and that the linkage and actuating components operate smoothly. By moving the ailerons, elevators, and rudder by hand or via the cockpit controls, you confirm there’s no binding, abnormal resistance, or interference in the control cables, push-pull rods, bellcranks, or servos. You’re also checking that the surfaces reach their intended limits and that the stops or limit screws will prevent overtravel. This kind of check catches issues like binding hardware, loose components, misadjusted or damaged linkages, and surfaces that could drift or become stuck, which is essential for safe handling in flight.

Visually inspecting without movement misses a lot of potential problems, and checking hydraulic pressure alone won’t reveal mechanical binding or incorrect travel. Relying on a cockpit test after removing components or other partial checks won’t expose issues in the primary control paths and could be dangerous.