Cut & Pasted from a reply in Tech Log.
"Forward the tape to the 90s and the recommendation from Mr Boeing that the full&free rudder check on the 747 should take 2 seconds from neutral to full deflection, both ways, and avoid crashing the rudders against the stops with coarse inputs.
This was apparently introduced as the routine inspections luckily discovered the PFCU attachment brackets were cracking as the barn doors on the 747 VS assembly were being crashed from side to side against the stops by the inadequately trained gorillas then operating them.
Fast forward the tape (yes I know, VHS-speak!) to today, and observe the massive rudder on the 73NG being slammed against the stops by the current crop of Captains, and if you don't see it from outside, then try sitting in the seats in the aft row and FEEL and HEAR the clunk as they hit the stops.
It gives me the chills when I feel it, and I am forced to ask what are the type-rating trainers and the line trainers up to by allowing this crass, clumsy and careless handling?
It all goes to show that there are some lessons in this game which we have forgotten, at our peril, when it comes to having respect for the flying controls and their effectiveness.
Are there any NG engineers out there who can reassure me the NG rudder assembly is NOT suffering from this abuse so that I'll sleep easier?"
All I get from T/L is "sweet dreams"!
