FAR 23.2300 — Flight Control Systems
FAR 23.2300 sets design rules for Part 23 airplane flight controls and trim systems, including operation, hazard protection, and trim position indicators.
In Plain English
FAR 23.2300 is a Part 23 airworthiness design standard that tells manufacturers how to build the flight control and trim systems of small airplanes. While you won't fly to this rule day-to-day, understanding it helps you appreciate why the controls in your trainer feel and behave the way they do.
The regulation requires that flight control systems:
- Operate easily, smoothly, and positively so the pilot can perform normal flight functions.
- Protect against likely hazards (such as jamming or incorrect rigging).
If a trim system is installed, it must:
- Guard against inadvertent, incorrect, or abrupt trim operation.
- Provide indications of:
- The direction of trim movement relative to airplane motion;
- The trim position within its range;
- The neutral position for lateral and directional trim; and
- The takeoff trim range for all approved CG ranges and configurations.
Operationally, this is why your aircraft has a takeoff trim band, clear trim indicators, and controls designed to prevent runaway or reversed trim inputs — all critical for safe takeoffs and stable handling.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 23.2300§ 23.2300 Flight control systems.
(a) The applicant must design airplane flight control systems to:
(1) Operate easily, smoothly, and positively enough to allow proper performance of their functions.
(2) Protect against likely hazards.
(b) The applicant must design trim systems, if installed, to:
(1) Protect against inadvertent, incorrect, or abrupt trim operation.
(2) Provide a means to indicate—
(i) The direction of trim control movement relative to airplane motion;
(ii) The trim position with respect to the trim range;
(iii) The neutral position for lateral and directional trim; and
(iv) The range for takeoff for all applicant requested center of gravity ranges and configurations.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What are the basic design requirements for flight control systems on a Part 23 airplane?
Per FAR 23.2300(a), flight control systems must operate easily, smoothly, and positively enough to allow proper performance of their functions, and must protect against likely hazards.
Q2If a trim system is installed, what indications must it provide to the pilot?
FAR 23.2300(b)(2) requires indications of the direction of trim movement relative to airplane motion, the trim position within its range, the neutral position for lateral and directional trim, and the takeoff trim range for all approved CG ranges and configurations.
Q3What design protections are required for trim systems under Part 23?
Under FAR 23.2300(b)(1), trim systems must be designed to protect against inadvertent, incorrect, or abrupt trim operation, reducing the risk of a runaway or mis-set trim condition.
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Related Sections in Part 23