On the ground, the Ailerons' at-rest position is which?

On the ground, the Ailerons' at-rest position is which?

• A. Neutral
• B. Up
• C. Down
• D. Droop

Answer: (D)

When the aircraft is on the ground, the hydraulic systems aren’t actively holding the ailerons in a level position. Without that hydraulic support, the weight of the control surfaces causes the trailing edge to drop downward. This downward deflection that occurs at rest on the ground is called a droop. So, the ailerons sit lowered rather than neutral or raised when parked; once hydraulics are pressurized and systems are powered, they can be moved toward neutral again as commanded.

When the aircraft is on the ground, the hydraulic systems aren’t actively holding the ailerons in a level position. Without that hydraulic support, the weight of the control surfaces causes the trailing edge to drop downward. This downward deflection that occurs at rest on the ground is called a droop. So, the ailerons sit lowered rather than neutral or raised when parked; once hydraulics are pressurized and systems are powered, they can be moved toward neutral again as commanded.