Trainers, tech pilots and safety people should be aware that Boeing will be releasing a major document on rudder control, input reversals, slideslip and structural integrity today, 18th November 2011.
It is a Flight Ops Tech Bulletin across all Boeing supported swept wing jets and therefore includes DC and MD series aircraft.
It reviews handling, certification, and training for operational flying in the light of the A300 accident over Queens and the resulting NTSB recommendations.
It's 16 pages long and, in essence, points out reversal of rudder input outside the 'normal' environment of single engine, crosswinds and so on can potentially lead to severe control and structural problems whether vertical fins are traditional or composite. The regulatory framework ensures all normal use of rudder to it's limits - 150% of load - it is the total reversal of direction in the rudder travel and ensuing, increasing sideslip forces generated which is the problem described and effectively illustrated.
Additionally guidance on rudder use in stall and unusual attitude recovery is given along with specific warnings regarding carry over of techniques from other types of aircraft and flying being extremely unsuitable for commercial, swept wing airliners.
The report also touches on the inadvisability of some of the mooted manoeuvring suggested by some in a hijack situation.
Rob