During engine run-up, the control stick must be in which position?

• A. Left
• B. Right
• C. Down
• D. Neutral

Answer: (D)

During engine run-up, the control stick must be in the neutral position. Keeping the stick in neutral is essential because this position ensures that the aircraft's control surfaces are not inadvertently actuated during the engine tests. If the stick were to be held to the left or right, or pushed down, it could potentially misalign the control surfaces and might lead to an inaccurate assessment of engine performance or could cause unintentional control movements.

By maintaining the control stick in neutral, the pilot confirms that the aircraft's systems are functioning correctly without interference from control inputs. This practice enhances safety during the critical engine run-up procedure, allowing for a complete evaluation of the engine's performance and ensuring that the aircraft is ready for flight.