MD-80 Elevator
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 255
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From: Close to you
MD-80 Elevator
Some days ago I was walking through the airport and saw an MD-80 at the gate.
One thing I noticed was the elevator deflection.
One part (the right side) was deflected with a steep angle and the other (the left side) was deflected slightly lower?
Is there a reason for this split?
One thing I noticed was the elevator deflection.
One part (the right side) was deflected with a steep angle and the other (the left side) was deflected slightly lower?
Is there a reason for this split?
Bottums Up
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,440
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From: dunnunda
Assuming the MD80 elevator system is the same as the Douglas/Boeing 717 (same pedigree, the venerable DC9) the elevators are deflected in flight by servo tabs, therefore able to deflect at different angles when not in flight and the breeze is not uniform.
Joined: Nov 2007
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,954
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From: Texas
To further the good Captain's reply, there is no connection between the left and right elevators. Since they are air driven (no hydralics except a nose down accumulator for when you're having a really bad day) they flop in the breeze.
