During a suspected control binding, what is the recommended priority?

During a suspected control binding, what is the recommended priority?

• A. Ignore the anomaly and continue flight
• B. Force the control surface to move to test
• C. Maintain controlled flight, assess for binding, and follow abnormal procedures to land safely
• D. Immediately land in the nearest field

Answer: (C)

When you suspect a control binding, keeping the airplane under control and following the published abnormal procedures to land safely is the top priority. Forcing a control surface or trying to “test” it in flight can cause further damage or a loss of control, while ignoring the issue won’t resolve the binding. By maintaining stable flight, you keep the aircraft controllable while you assess the situation and then execute the abnormal procedures to bring the airplane down safely. These procedures are designed to guide you to a suitable landing site and a controlled approach, rather than rushing to a field or continuing flight with an unresolved anomaly.

When you suspect a control binding, keeping the airplane under control and following the published abnormal procedures to land safely is the top priority. Forcing a control surface or trying to “test” it in flight can cause further damage or a loss of control, while ignoring the issue won’t resolve the binding. By maintaining stable flight, you keep the aircraft controllable while you assess the situation and then execute the abnormal procedures to bring the airplane down safely. These procedures are designed to guide you to a suitable landing site and a controlled approach, rather than rushing to a field or continuing flight with an unresolved anomaly.