Boeing MD-80 series pilots must now check for jammed elevators before takeoff

The FAA is requiring all Boeing MD-80 series airplanes to add a new pre-flight check. Pilots must now confirm that the elevator surfaces are not jammed in a downward position before takeoff.

This rule change means pilots of older Boeing jets will now perform an extra physical check before every flight. It addresses a specific failure mode that could cause a plane to pitch down unexpectedly during takeoff. The change adds a small but critical step to a routine that has been in place for decades.