Definition
A preflight check in which the pilot moves the flight controls through their complete travel in every direction to confirm they move freely, smoothly, and to their full limits, and that the corresponding control surfaces respond correctly without binding, restriction, or interference.
Plain English
Before flight, the pilot moves the yoke or stick and the rudder pedals as far as they will go in every direction to make sure nothing is stuck, blocked, or limited, and that the control surfaces on the wings and tail move the way they should.
Context Anchor
Performed during preflight and before-takeoff checks inside the airplane, especially when checking the yoke or stick and the rudder pedals.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the airplane can be fully controlled before takeoff and prevents loss of control from jammed or restricted surfaces.
Intuition Check
Full does not mean forcing the control past its normal stop. It means moving it through its normal allowed travel and verifying free, correct movement.
Example Sentence 1
During the before-takeoff check, she performed a full range of motion check on the controls and confirmed the ailerons, elevator, and rudder all responded correctly.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor had the student repeat the full range of motion check after noticing a slight restriction in the aileron travel.