Aircraft Assembly and Rigging Flashcards
7 cards from real Airframe Mechanic Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aircraft Assembly and Rigging flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a swaged (Nicopress) sleeve on an aircraft control cable?
Answer: To form a permanent end fitting by compressing the sleeve around a cable loop or thimble
Swaged sleeves are compressed (swaged) onto cable ends around a thimble to create a permanent, high-strength loop termination approved for flight control use.
During wing-to-fuselage assembly on a high-wing strut-braced aircraft, which alignment parameter is checked using a plumb bob?
Answer: Lateral level of the wing root attachment relative to the fuselage centerline
A plumb bob dropped from the wing root fitting verifies that both sides are laterally level and symmetrical relative to the fuselage datum centerline.
What is the function of a fairlead in a cable control system?
Answer: To guide a cable through a bulkhead or structure with minimal friction and prevent chafing
Fairleads are non-metallic (or metallic) guides that support and direct cables through holes in structure, limiting side load and preventing wear.
When is a cable guard (cable pin) required in a pulley installation?
Answer: Whenever there is a possibility that the cable can jump the pulley groove under slack or reversed-load conditions
Cable guards (pins or guards) are required to keep cables seated in pulley grooves when slack, vibration, or reversed loads could cause the cable to derail.
After rigging a rudder control system, the rudder deflects 25° right but only 20° left. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: The rudder stop on the left side is set too close, or the left cable is over-tensioned relative to the right
Asymmetric deflection typically results from an incorrectly set travel stop on the low-travel side or unequal cable tension causing the neutral position to be offset.
Which of the following is a characteristic of 7×19 aircraft control cable compared to 7×7 cable?
Answer: 7×19 is more flexible and better suited for systems with small-radius pulleys
7×19 cable (7 strands of 19 wires each) is more flexible than 7×7 cable, making it preferred for primary flight controls and systems routed around pulleys with smaller bend radii.
What is the purpose of checking control surface balance (mass balance) during assembly?
Answer: To prevent flutter by ensuring the control surface center of gravity is at or forward of the hinge line
Mass balancing positions the control surface CG at or ahead of the hinge line, which suppresses aerodynamic flutter that could lead to structural failure.