Abrupt And Uncommanded Aircraft Pitch-up, Flaps Extended

Question 1

What type of stick forces would you expect with an interconnect system failure during takeoff?

Answer 1

You would expect light than normal stick force and reduced amount of stick travel to rotate. Until you retract the flaps, forward stick force is required to prevent excessive pitch up

Question 2

Once your flaps are stabilized in a given setting, can the interconnect system still fail?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

If your flap-slab interconnect system fails during final approach, what should you do?

Answer 3

Initially repositioning the flaps to 60% reduces stick forces and provides the best chances for a successful recovery.

Question 4

When are you allowed to retract the flaps with a flap-slab interconnect failure?

Answer 4

Do not retract the flaps until the aircraft accelerates above no-flap flying aircraft.

Question 5

If you experience a flap slab-interconnect failure, how does that effect trim; and at what flap settings?

Answer 5

If the flaps are set to 60% or more, the amount of forward stick force exceeds the forward trim cutout limit.

Question 6

What is the general checklist flow for an abrupt and uncommanded aircraft pitch up, flaps extended?

Answer 6

1. Control Stick - Full forward to arrest pitch rate
2. Throttles - MAX
3. Flaps - 60%
4. Gear - Up when continued flight is assured
5. Flaps - UP when the aircraft accelerates above no-flap flying airspeed
6. Land with no flap

Generally, if this is experienced, maintain aircraft control with forward stick to prevent a dangerous nose high position. Once this is accomplished, increase throttles to max to gain flying airspeed. As airspeed increases, be prepared for more stick forces. If the flaps were in 100%, change flap setting to 60%. You need proper airspeed to put the gear and flaps up first. Once that is achieved, retract the gear and flaps and be prepared for a no flap landing.

Question 7

If you have a flap-slab interconnect failure but you are landing on a short runway, should you still land no-flap?

Answer 7

While a no-flap landing is preferred, if the landing conditions require the use of flaps, a flap setting between 30-45% will provide limited but adequate nose down control authority and manageable stick forces. Fly AOA and on speed indications on final and use caution to avoid over rotation in the flare