Which of the following is NOT a listed AFCS off flight design feature?

• A. Spoiler on forward pylon
• B. Strakes on ramp and fuel pod
• C. Blunted aft pylon
• D. Winglets on wings

Answer: (D)

When the Automatic Flight Control System is not in use, the aircraft must remain controllable and stable in manual flight. Designers add features specifically to help with handling under those conditions. Spoilers on the forward pylon can adjust lift distribution to improve roll and pitch control when the autopilot is off. Strakes on the ramp and fuel pod create vortices that energize the flow, reducing separation and helping control effectiveness at various angles of attack. A blunted aft pylon smooths the flow behind the wing-to-fuselage area, improving longitudinal stability and reducing buffet when manual control is needed. Winglets, on the other hand, are primarily aimed at reducing wingtip vortices to improve cruise efficiency and reduce drag; they aren’t designed as a feature to aid AFCS-off handling. Thus winglets are not a listed AFCS off-flight design feature.