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Checking control surface range of movement

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 2 of 16 on Flight Controls. ACS element AM.II.C.K9 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhen the range of movement of a control surface is checked after a system has been adjusted, how must the controls be operated?

  1. ABy pulling on the control cables
  2. BBy moving the control surface by hand
  3. CFrom the flight deck
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. From the flight deck

  • A — incorrect Pulling on cables does not reproduce normal system operation and would not verify synchronization with the flight deck controls.
  • B — incorrect Moving the surface itself is specifically not the method used to check the range of movement.
  • C — correct The controls must be operated from the flight deck so the whole system, including the flight deck linkage, is checked.

BACKGROUND

After a control system has been adjusted, the full and synchronized movement of the controls should be checked. When checking the range of movement of the control surface, the controls must be operated from the flight deck and not by moving the control surfaces. During this check the mechanic must also make sure that chains, cables, and similar components have not reached the limit of their travel when the controls are against their respective stops. Where dual controls are installed, they must be synchronized and function satisfactorily when operated from both positions. Correctly rigged control surfaces move through a prescribed arc and are synchronized with the movement of the flight deck controls.

STUDY TIP

Whenever a question describes checking travel, look for the phrase about operating the controls from the flight deck — moving the surface by hand is the trap.

KEY POINTS

  • Check range of movement by operating the controls from the flight deck.
  • Verify that chains and cables have not run out of travel at the stops.
  • Dual controls must be synchronized and work from both positions.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch02.txt "Control Surface Travel"
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MORE ON FLIGHT CONTROLS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.