Subscriber question:
"I check 'controls free and correct' on every preflight. Is there anything else I should be checking about the control surfaces?" — Anna N.
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Jason:
“Yes. Check that they’re still attached.
Many hours in Piper Cubs instilled in me a habit of taking the wingtip, giving it a shake, and listening. I’m not testing strength. I’m checking for loose fittings, which I’d detect through a small movement or sound that shouldn’t be there.
One day, out of habit, I did the same thing to the vertical fin of a Piper Archer before a lesson. To my surprise, it wiggled back and forth in my hands. Not the rudder—the entire vertical fin. We cancelled the flight.
Years later this happened again on a Warrior I was about to go teach in. The A&P who followed up said that it might have come off in flight.
On a PA-28, a single bolt secures the leading edge of the vertical fin at its base. The fin spar bolts to the aft bulkhead and nothing more. Every load the vertical stabilizer puts into the airplane goes through that connection.
Now extrapolate this out: Many of us are flying around in airplanes older than our parents—or grandparents. Parts that were secure for decades may not be so secure anymore. It’s not so common that we shouldn’t fly these machines. We just need to take appropriate care on preflight.
So after ‘free and correct,’ add ‘tight and secure.’ Take hold of each flying surface — the vertical and horizontal stabilizer, and yes, even the wings — and move it against the airframe. Check the hinges, bolts, brackets, and fairings.
Free and correct only helps if it’s still bolted on.”
