NTSB Recommends Boeing Develop Recovery Strategies for Jammed Elevator on 737 Aircraft

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued Recommendation ENG09IA011, designated as A-11-011, directed to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation calls for the FAA to require Boeing to develop specific recovery strategies for pilots operating 737 airplanes that lack a mechanical override feature for a jammed elevator. These strategies are intended for use in the event of a full control deflection of the elevator system and must be incorporated into pilot guidance materials. The NTSB specifies that these recovery strategies must clarify the consequences of removing all hydraulic power to the airplane as a response to any uncommanded control surface. This directive aims to ensure pilots have clear procedures for managing such critical flight control anomalies.