Originally Posted by
safetypee
Was the DC8 elevator / pitch control a conventional aerodynamic servo tab system?
Yes, it also has linked tabs inboard and geared servo tabs outboard. Earlier versions of this arrangement go back at least as far as the DC-6 I've been told.
On the MD-80 series a third set of 'anti-float' tabs was added outboard of the geared tabs.
Here's a great online guide to subtle external differences in the DC-9 and twin MD variants:
AIRLINERCAFE.COM - Ultimate DC-9/MD-80/MD-90/MD-95 Guide
Originally Posted by
safetypee
Thanks Airbubba; I strongly believe that the earlier incident involved a DC9 / MD because of its servotab control system, which at that time related to the aircraft in my operation (146 / RJ), 1980-90s.
I was also thinking of a DC-9 incident with an elevator jammed by a stone on takeoff but I can't seem to find it. The DC-8 at JFK was given an immediate takeoff clearance after landing traffic. The plane did an uncommanded rotation at about 80 knots and instead of chopping the power, the crew tried to figure out what was going on as the nose kept rising.