Provided by FlightSafety International
Which of the following is true regarding the operation of aircraft flight controls at or below maneuvering speed (VA)?
A. They can be operated simultaneously to their maximum deflection without overstressing the aircraft.
B. They can be operated in one axis at a time to their maximum deflection without overstressing the aircraft.
C. Maximum nose-up elevator input below maneuvering speed will result in aerodynamic stall before the aircraft is overstressed.
D. Both B and C are correct.
Correct Answer: D
If full nose-up elevator is used below maneuvering speed (VA), aerodynamic stall will occur before the aircraft is overstressed. Maneuvering speed with fully deflected flight controls is typically tested or calculated during the aircraft certification process in only one axis at a time. Therefore, great care should be exercised if operating flight controls to their maximum limits in more than one axis at a time, such as during an in-flight upset recovery.
Comments
MadScot
February 2, 2015 - 4:44pm
Additionally, while the statement "operated in one axis at a time to their maximum deflection without overstressing the aircraft" is precisely true, there is an important extra consideration, which is that rapid reversals and repeated usage of the flight controls is not addressed during certification. So in addition to being mindful of the single-axis issue, pilots should also be aware of the risks of repeated usage.
fredyarbrough
February 2, 2015 - 5:26pm
Try telling this to the AA guys flying the A-300 out of JFK.