In the event of a jammed aileron or elevator, how can the pilot regain control of the operable control surface?

• A. Use the pitch or roll disconnect handle on the center pedestal to separate the yokes and restore operation of the working control surface
• B. Trim the surfaces to neutral
• C. Disconnect the hydraulic system
• D. Use the autopilot to rebalance

Answer: (A)

When a control surface is jammed, the way to regain control is to isolate the jammed side from the working side so the remaining, unjammed control can drive the surface. The pitch or roll disconnect handle on the center pedestal is designed for exactly this: it separates the two yokes, uncoupling the jammed side from the control surfaces. Once uncoupled, the operating control column can influence the operable surface through the normal linkage, restoring usable control.

Trimming to neutral doesn’t fix a mechanical jam; it only changes the surface position without freeing the jammed mechanism. Disconnecting the hydraulic system could remove power to all surfaces and isn’t a targeted solution to bring back control. Relying on the autopilot to rebalance isn’t effective for a physical jam, since the autopilot needs functioning control paths to operate.