Lateral (roll) control stick travel and rudder displacement are restricted by the surface limiter system. The system should be released (full travel mode) at speeds below Mach 0.5, and engaged (limited mode) at higher speeds. The surface limiter system is controlled by the SURF LIMIT RELEASE T-handle on the left side of the pilot's annunciator panel.
The T-handle is spring-loaded in the full forward (limited) position, and must be pulled aft to disengage the limiters and rotated 90 degrees clockwise to lock the handle aft. The T-handle is released (to engage the limiters) by rotating the handle 90 degrees counter clockwise.
A SURFACE LIMITER caution light on the pilot's annunciator panel illuminates if the limiters are in the wrong mode for the existing aircraft speed. The light is controlled by T-handle switch contacts and Mach inputs from DAFICS. With the limiters released, the light illuminates above Mach 0.5, and goes out when limiting is engaged. With limiters engaged, the light illuminates below Mach 0.5, and goes out when the full travel mode is selected.
