What control surfaces are locked when the gust lock is engaged?

What control surfaces are locked when the gust lock is engaged?

• A. Aileron, rudder, elevator
• B. Elevator, rudder, ailerons
• C. Flaps, ailerons, rudder
• D. Elevator, flaps, ailerons

Answer: (B)

When the gust lock is engaged, it is designed to prevent excessive movement of specific control surfaces during ground operations, especially in windy conditions. The control surfaces that are locked are the elevator, rudder, and ailerons. This locking mechanism stabilizes the aircraft and protects the components from damage caused by gusts of wind, which could otherwise cause unwanted deflections or stress on the control surfaces. By locking the elevator, the aircraft's pitch control is stabilized, preventing any unintended nose-up or nose-down movements. The rudder is locked to maintain directional stability, ensuring the aircraft does not sway side to side. Ailerons are also locked to prevent roll, which is crucial when the aircraft is parked or being towed, as these surfaces can be particularly sensitive to wind forces. The other options incorrectly include flaps in the list of surfaces that are locked when the gust lock is engaged. Flaps typically remain unaffected by the gust lock and can be deployed for takeoff and landing configurations as needed.

When the gust lock is engaged, it is designed to prevent excessive movement of specific control surfaces during ground operations, especially in windy conditions. The control surfaces that are locked are the elevator, rudder, and ailerons. This locking mechanism stabilizes the aircraft and protects the components from damage caused by gusts of wind, which could otherwise cause unwanted deflections or stress on the control surfaces.

By locking the elevator, the aircraft's pitch control is stabilized, preventing any unintended nose-up or nose-down movements. The rudder is locked to maintain directional stability, ensuring the aircraft does not sway side to side. Ailerons are also locked to prevent roll, which is crucial when the aircraft is parked or being towed, as these surfaces can be particularly sensitive to wind forces.

The other options incorrectly include flaps in the list of surfaces that are locked when the gust lock is engaged. Flaps typically remain unaffected by the gust lock and can be deployed for takeoff and landing configurations as needed.