If the gust lock is installed properly, how will the control surfaces appear during inspection?

If the gust lock is installed properly, how will the control surfaces appear during inspection?

• A. Ailerons neutral, rudder deflected right, elevator nose-down
• B. Ailerons and rudder neutral, elevator nose-down
• C. Ailerons deflected up, rudder neutral, elevator down
• D. Ailerons and rudder deflected down, elevator neutral

Answer: (B)

The correct answer indicates that, when the gust lock is properly installed, the ailerons and rudder should be neutral, while the elevator is positioned in a nose-down attitude. This configuration is intended to prevent any unwanted movement of the control surfaces during times when the aircraft is parked, particularly in windy conditions. When the gust lock is engaged, it effectively stabilizes the control surfaces and reduces the chance of flutter or damage that may occur if they were to be moved by gusts of wind. The neutral position of the ailerons and rudder ensures that the aircraft remains in a stable condition, while the elevator's nose-down position helps to maintain a degree of downward pressure, securing it against forces that could cause the tail to rise. This setup is critical for maintaining the integrity of the aircraft when it is not in operation and is a key aspect of pre-flight inspections to ensure that the gust lock has performed its function correctly.

The correct answer indicates that, when the gust lock is properly installed, the ailerons and rudder should be neutral, while the elevator is positioned in a nose-down attitude. This configuration is intended to prevent any unwanted movement of the control surfaces during times when the aircraft is parked, particularly in windy conditions.

When the gust lock is engaged, it effectively stabilizes the control surfaces and reduces the chance of flutter or damage that may occur if they were to be moved by gusts of wind. The neutral position of the ailerons and rudder ensures that the aircraft remains in a stable condition, while the elevator's nose-down position helps to maintain a degree of downward pressure, securing it against forces that could cause the tail to rise.

This setup is critical for maintaining the integrity of the aircraft when it is not in operation and is a key aspect of pre-flight inspections to ensure that the gust lock has performed its function correctly.