NTSB Rips FAA For Delayed 737 Rudder Response

Boeing didn’t issue a workaround. The NTSB is referring to the long-standing general procedure for jammed controls—which calls for the application of brute force to attempt to free the control—for lack of any other germane procedure, and is calling it “Boeing’s workaround.” It has asked Boeing to come up with a different workaround due to the high probability of an abrupt maneuver when the control becomes unjammed, which could lead to loss of control. Whether this new procedure is to be for general use or only for this particular actuator is not clear. The NTSB’s stance is strange. I’d rather stomp on a jammed control to free it while anticipating the need for immediate correction of the excessive control input that may ensue rather than just sit there doing nothing out of fear of causing an upset and let the airplane head into peril.

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