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Which set of control stops acts as the limit stop

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 11 of 16 on Flight Controls. ACS element AM.II.C.K4 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONTwo sets of stops are usually provided for each of the three main control surfaces of an airplane. Which set usually acts as the actual limit stop?

  1. AThe stops located at the flight deck control
  2. BThe set that is adjusted to a definite clearance
  3. CThe stops located at the control surface
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The stops located at the control surface

  • A — incorrect The flight deck stops are part of the pair, but they are not normally the set that actually limits travel.
  • B — incorrect Stops adjusted to a definite clearance are the override stops, which do not normally contact each other.
  • C — correct Of the two sets, those situated at the control surface usually perform the limiting function.

BACKGROUND

Adjustable and nonadjustable stops are used to limit the throw-range or travel movement of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder. Usually there are two sets of stops for each of the three main control surfaces: one set located at the control surface, either in the snubber cylinders or as structural stops, and the other at the flight deck control. Either set may serve as the actual limit stop, but those situated at the control surface usually perform this function. The other stops do not normally contact each other; they are adjusted to a definite clearance when the control surface is at the full extent of its travel and work as override stops to prevent stretching of cables and damage to the control system during violent maneuvers. Adjusting the control stops is the third of the three general steps of rigging.

STUDY TIP

Tie each stop to its job: the surface stops limit travel, the flight deck stops act as override stops with a definite clearance.

KEY POINTS

  • Each main control surface normally has two sets of stops.
  • The stops at the control surface usually serve as the actual limit stop.
  • The other set is set to a definite clearance and works as an override stop.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch02.txt "Control Surface Travel" (adjustable and nonadjustable stops)
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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.