Remove the gust lock and tail tiedown if any. Take a good look at the underside of the stabilizer and elevator. Make sure to inspect the hinges for any extra movement or unusual play.
Gust locks should be used to protect control surfaces. Be sure that gust locks are foolproof: a takeoff with gust locks on is not only embarrassing but could prove to be disastrous.
This can be detected by installing the control wheel gust lock and then attempting to move the elevator's trailing edge — if it moves more than an inch or two, inspect the bracket, which is below the floor under the front seats.
 See also: Power, Plane, Speed, Flight instructor, Pilot
  
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