Drooping tray table fix

[nutwood]

Not sure is this has been discussed somewhere but I haven't seen it.
The new seats in VA J have a problem with their tray tables. If you've experienced this, you'll know all about it. Some tables droop to the extent that your meal tray is very likely to slide straight off. The older style tables rest on the centre divider and are supported, but not the new variety. For some people you can prop it your knee but for people like myself, afflicted with duck's disease, several thick books are required.
I have discovered the solution is to put a slight rotational force on the table before folding it down. After the table pops up and before you lay it down horizontal, twist it towards yourself. If the table is to your left, this means twist clockwise (viewed from above). If it's on your right, twist counter clockwise. Maintain some pressure as it you fold it down and it should catch and be properly supported. I've found that a slight upward pressure as you twist seems to help. Some are harder than others but I've yet to find one I can't sort by the above method.
Beware also, that if you have one that is inclined to droop and you push the table away from you (when in deployed position) by the extended end, it'll likely unlock and the end of the table will drop several inches, potentially sending your tray sliding off. This is much harder to fix as I've not managed to get one to lock back into position once folded out and at this stage you have a tray to contend with. If you want to slide it away, apply pressure at the hinge end, along with some resistance at the extended end. Basically, you're maintaining the original rotational force.
Hopefully this is of some use to someone. I'd be interested to know if anyone can expand on this as I've obviously not been able to dismantle the armrest to work out the mechanics. The problem appears to be loose screws in some of the armrests. I earnestly hope that whoever assembles armrests is not also engaged in bolting engines on!

 

[twinaisle]

You're supposed to fully pull it out and ensure it's full out of the compartment before folding it down.

Sometimes pulling it up further before folding it will ensure it's engaged in place.

Twisting it will ensure more damage is caused to the tray table and will see it fly like that until it can be fixed.

 

[nutwood]

You're supposed to fully pull it out and ensure it's full out of the compartment before folding it down.

Sometimes pulling it up further before folding it will ensure it's engaged in place.

Twisting it will ensure more damage is caused to the tray table and will see it fly like that until it can be fixed.

Not suggesting twist it to cause damage. Steady pressure to ensure it locks into place when folded down. I totally agree re pulling up fully before folding down. The twist solution is for situations where this fails.
In these cautious days, I probably should have added; "Do not force anything to cause damage. Advice is general only and readers should assess its appropriateness for the specific circumstance before acting on it."