If a defective trolley braking device is discovered during flight, what action must be taken?

• A. Stow the trolley and do not use it for cabin service, clearly label as unserviceable
• B. Continue to use it with a caution label and report after landing
• C. Remove the trolley from the aircraft immediately
• D. Notify passengers and ask them not to touch it

Answer: (A)

When a defective item is discovered, safety requires it to be taken out of service immediately. A trolley with a broken braking device can move unintentionally, posing a serious risk to crew and passengers during service or turbulence. The correct action is to stow the trolley away from active service and clearly label it as unserviceable so it cannot be used. This prevents any attempt to push or rely on it in its faulty state and signals to maintenance that it needs repair or replacement. After stowing, inform the supervisor or flight crew and arrange for maintenance to address the issue after landing.

Continuing to use it with a caution label would still allow the hazard, removing it mid-flight isn’t practical, and notifying passengers isn’t the appropriate safety step for handling a defective piece of equipment.