Flight Controls - Elevator Surfaces in Trailing Edge Down (TED) Position - Revision of Airplane Flight Manual
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must revise their airplane flight manuals by June 12, 2025, to include the new procedure confirming elevator surfaces are free from jamming in the trailing edge down position. Flight crews must follow the updated AFM procedures before every flight. Operators should continue to follow existing Boeing service letters and manuals for enhanced preflight inspections and ensure all personnel are familiar with the changes.
Summary
The Flight Controls - Elevator Surfaces in Trailing Edge Down (TED) Position - Revision of Airplane Flight Manual is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA affecting all Boeing Model DC-9 series airplanes including DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and earlier DC-9-10 through DC-9-50 series airplanes. This directive addresses the risk of elevator surfaces becoming jammed in the trailing edge down position during takeoff. It mandates revisions to the airplane flight manual to include procedures confirming elevator functionality prior to flight.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive requires operators to revise the Certificate Limitations section of the existing airplane flight manual to include a procedure verifying that elevator surfaces are not jammed in the trailing edge down position before takeoff. It introduces a mandatory preflight check to prevent elevator jamming incidents. This AD is an interim safety measure pending Boeing's development of a design change to permanently address the issue.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because elevator jamming can prevent the airplane from rotating at the designated rotation speed (VR), potentially leading to rejected takeoffs beyond V1 and high-speed runway excursions. Operators, maintenance, and flight crews must ensure compliance to maintain safe flight operations and avoid accidents related to flight control failures. The directive also clarifies existing operational and training requirements to enhance safety awareness.
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