The Piper Archer (PA-28) i had this morning had issues returning flaps to normal after being fully extended ON THE GROUND. It required a non trivial amount of push on the air-frame itself to restore the flaps to the original position after having retracted the flaps using the stick in the cockpit.
I was told that "this is normal" and that the spring might be a little worn but that it wouldn't cause any safety issues, but none of the other Piper Archers I've flown have had this issue. I would add that it was a cold day (just above freezing) but the plane fully fully de-iced.
Is it reasonable the fly the plane?Would you be worried? If you refused to fly the plane in that condition despite booking, would you accept the rental to be charged partially?
