If the Elevator System is jammed, what is the recommended first action?

If the Elevator System is jammed, what is the recommended first action?

• A. Autopilot - DISENGAGE
• B. Elevator Controls - RELEASE PRESSURE
• C. PITCH DISC - PULL, TURN, AND LOCK
• D. Airplane Control - TRANSFER to pilot with operative elevator

Answer: (A)

When a jammed elevator system occurs, the first priority is to regain direct, manual control of the aircraft. Disengaging the autopilot removes any automatic elevator command that could be holding the control surface in a position or fighting a mechanical jam. With the autopilot off, you can feel how the airplane responds to your control inputs, assess whether the jam is binding or mechanical, and determine the next steps from a position of direct control rather than an autopilot-driven state. After the autopilot is disengaged, you can consider additional actions such as checking for relief of control forces, using the pitch disconnect if needed to free the surface, or transferring control if another crew member has a functional elevator. But regaining manual control by turning off the autopilot is the essential first move.

When a jammed elevator system occurs, the first priority is to regain direct, manual control of the aircraft. Disengaging the autopilot removes any automatic elevator command that could be holding the control surface in a position or fighting a mechanical jam. With the autopilot off, you can feel how the airplane responds to your control inputs, assess whether the jam is binding or mechanical, and determine the next steps from a position of direct control rather than an autopilot-driven state.

After the autopilot is disengaged, you can consider additional actions such as checking for relief of control forces, using the pitch disconnect if needed to free the surface, or transferring control if another crew member has a functional elevator. But regaining manual control by turning off the autopilot is the essential first move.