Then, they do it again as part of the pretakeoff checklist. This usually takes place after the runup, and before taxiing to the runway for takeoff. The purpose is to confirm the flight controls are “free and correct.” It is an item not to be missed.

For the first part—free—pilots ensure that the controls can move without anything impeding that movement. Some pilots use a box pattern to confirm the controls can move fully left, forward, right, and back. It is not always obvious that there is no impediment until performing this check. For example, some yokes have a small pin—that serves as a gust lock—to lock the flight controls in place after each flight. If that pin wasn’t removed during the preflight, this pretakeoff check will catch it. Some airplanes have engine control knobs that stick out and could prevent the yoke’s free movement while parked. For example, the mixture control in my Piper Cherokee sometimes prevents me from turning the ailerons when the knob is all the way out (or lean). I adjust it accordingly for the preflight check, and the mixture control knob is in when I do the pretakeoff check so it is not a hindrance. 

There have been instances in which pilots have attempted to take off with the flight controls locked. This simple checklist item could prevent a mistake that has serious consequences.

The second part of this checklist item is to ensure the controls are correct. Confirm that the ailerons move in the appropriate direction when you turn the yoke. Moving the yoke to the left should result in the left aileron going up and the right aileron going down. If that doesn’t happen, it is your responsibility as the pilot in command to cancel the flight and ground the airplane until a mechanic inspects and corrects the situation. While misrigged flight controls are a rare occurrence, it does happen. Especially when taking the airplane for its first flight after maintenance, ensure each preflight item—including flight controls—is thoroughly checked.

Remember that flight control checks, during the preflight or the pretakeoff check, are part of the aircraft approved flight manual, which in turn is an FAA requirement. FAR 91.9 states that “no person may operate a civil aircraft without complying with the operating limitations specified in the approved Airplane Flight Manual, markings, and placards, or as otherwise prescribed by the certificating authority…”