A-02-036
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Issue a flight standards information bulletin directing air carriers to instruct pilots that in the event of an inoperative or malfunctioning flight control system, if the airplane is controllable they should complete only the applicable checklist procedures and should not attempt any corrective actions beyond those specified. In particular, in the event of an inoperative or malfunctioning horizontal stabilizer trim control system, after a final determination has been made in accordance with the applicable checklist that both the primary and alternate trim systems are inoperative, neither the primary nor the alternate trim motor should be activated, either by engaging the autopilot or using any other trim control switch or handle. Pilots should further be instructed that if checklist procedures are not effective, they should land at the nearest suitable airport.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The Federal Aviation Administration is asked to issue a flight standards information bulletin that directs air carriers to instruct pilots: when a flight control system is inoperative or malfunctioning but the airplane remains controllable, pilots should complete only the applicable checklist procedures and avoid any corrective actions beyond those specified. For a malfunctioning horizontal stabilizer trim control system, after confirming that both primary and alternate trim systems are inoperative per the checklist, pilots must not activate either trim motor—whether by engaging the autopilot or using any other trim control. If checklist procedures prove ineffective, pilots should land at the nearest suitable airport.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 13, 2005 |
| NTSB number | DCA00MA023 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).