Flight Control Systems 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 Flight Control Systems flashcards as text
What is the maximum allowable turnbuckle barrel thread exposure on a properly rigged flight control cable?
Answer: 3 threads
FAA guidelines specify no more than three threads of a turnbuckle barrel may be exposed on either side after rigging is complete.
Frise ailerons are designed primarily to:
Answer: Reduce adverse yaw by creating drag on the rising wing
The Frise aileron's leading edge protrudes below the wing surface when raised, creating parasite drag that counters adverse yaw.
Which document specifies the required flight control surface travel limits for a certificated aircraft?
Answer: The applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
The Aircraft Maintenance Manual contains model-specific rigging data, including required control surface travel limits and tolerances.
A spoiler used as a roll control device operates by:
Answer: Deflecting upward on the high wing to reduce lift and increase drag
Roll spoilers deploy on the high (upgoing) wing, destroying lift and increasing drag to assist or replace aileron roll control.
What type of rig check uses a protractor or inclinometer placed on the control surface to measure deflection angles?
Answer: Travel check
A travel check uses a protractor or rigging board placed on the control surface to measure deflection in degrees against AMM specifications.
What is the function of an antiservo tab on a stabilator?
Answer: It opposes stabilator movement to provide control feel and prevent overcontrol
An antiservo (antibalance) tab deflects in the same direction as the stabilator, creating aerodynamic resistance that gives the pilot proper control feel.
During a walk-around inspection, a pilot notices excessive freeplay in the aileron. As an A&P mechanic, your first action should be to:
Answer: Inspect the control system per the AMM to identify the source of freeplay
Excessive freeplay must be traced to its source — worn bearings, loose linkages, or cable slack — and corrected per the AMM before further flight.