B737-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
On taxi out; First Officer remarked that ailerons felt stiff and seemed to be binding as he conducted flight control check during his taxi flow. Captain conducted an aileron check; and he too thought that the ailerons felt abnormal. A 737 Check Airman conducting a line check on the flight also exercised the ailerons; and he too concurred that their movement did not feel normal. Yoke movement side to side was stiffer than normal; with a slight hitch at approximately the 3 degree position. Also; the yoke would not return to neutral position; stopping at same 3 degree position when released. Flight returned to gate. Dispatch and Maintenance were notified; Contract Maintenance was called out; problem could not be identified and resolved. Flight canceled and a heavy maintenance crew dispatched.
A B737 returned to the gate after the First Officer; Captain; and Check Airman determined that aileron flight control check was abnormal.