Systems and methods for operating flight control surfaces are provided. One system includes a control device having a two piece shaft including a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion, a spline key detachably coupling the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and a crankshaft operatively coupling the two piece shaft and a flight control surface. The control device further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the spline key and operable to move the spline key to engage and disengage the first and second shaft portions, wherein the first and second shaft portions are disengaged when a failure to the flight control surface is detected, causing the second shaft portion to drive the flight control surface to a safe position.