What are the two ways a stabilator can fail?

What are the two ways a stabilator can fail?

• A. Mechanically
• B. None
• C. Electronically
• D. Both

Answer: (D)

The stabilator can fail in two general ways: mechanically or electronically. Mechanically means a physical problem with the surface or its drive—the hinge, linkage, actuator, or other moving parts can jam, break, or bind, preventing the stabilator from moving as commanded or causing it to move erratically. Electronically refers to failures in the control system that commands the stabilator—loss of power to the actuator, a fault in the hydraulic/electrical control valves, sensor or computer failure, or bad signals that cause the stabilator to position incorrectly or ignore pilot inputs. Since the stabilator relies on both physical motion and electronic/hydraulic control, a failure can occur in either domain, or even in combination.

The stabilator can fail in two general ways: mechanically or electronically. Mechanically means a physical problem with the surface or its drive—the hinge, linkage, actuator, or other moving parts can jam, break, or bind, preventing the stabilator from moving as commanded or causing it to move erratically. Electronically refers to failures in the control system that commands the stabilator—loss of power to the actuator, a fault in the hydraulic/electrical control valves, sensor or computer failure, or bad signals that cause the stabilator to position incorrectly or ignore pilot inputs. Since the stabilator relies on both physical motion and electronic/hydraulic control, a failure can occur in either domain, or even in combination.