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Accounts the mandate of the United States Federal Aviation Administration for a set of recommended inspections on Boeing 767 elevator power control actuator bellcranks. Redesign of a key part; Response to the EgyptAir Flight 990 crash; Verification of elevator control system integrity.

The article offers tips cumulated from readers in the U.S. in conjunction with the construction of airplane models. According to Jerry Bradley of Texas, the surface height gauge comes in handy especially when checking the alignment of the models' wings and stabilizers. On the other hand, Joe Walsh from California claims that making the right connection of wires is going to be easier by sticking the same letters to the matching plugs.

The article reports that a fatal crash of a B-52H Stratofortress jet bomber in July 2008 was caused by malfunctioning parts and late recognition of spiraling problems, according to an accident investigation board of the U.S. Air Force. The incident killed all six airmen onboard. Investigators concluded that the problem parts were the rear stabilizers of the plane. Among those who died were pilot Major Chris Cooper and co-pilot Captain Michael Dodson.

The article reports on the additional checks mandated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the elevator control systems of Embraer ERJ-145 family regional jets. The move was made after reports that ERJ-145 did not rotate in response to the command from the yoke during take-off. Analysis showed that both elevator control rods had broken, says the FAA. The new airworthiness directive calls for a one-time detailed inspection of the elevator and control movements within 20 flight hours.

The article presents the final rules for selected airplanes in the U.S. For Bombardier Challenger 604 airplanes, revise the airplane flight manual to advise the flight crew of additional procedures to follow in the event of stabilizer trim runaway and mach trim, stab trim and horizontal stabilizer trim malfunctions. Inspect the flight controls of Raytheon King Air C90A, B200 and B300 airplanes for improper assembly or damage, and if any improperly assembled or damaged flight controls are found, take corrective action.

The article reports on the outcome of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Centennial Challenge for a space elevator climbing machine. The competition failed to produce a winner because of wind and time constraints, as well as problems with the horizontal test rig. Several teams were disqualified for not meeting the requirement for a tether that could be used for a space elevator.

Reports on the possible significance of the aircraft elevator system to the crash of an Air Midwest Beech 1900D airplane in South Carolina on January 8, 2003. Background on the airplane's elevator control systems; Details of the accident; Number of casualties of the accident.