Airframe Mechanic Certification Flight Control Systems 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a trim tab on a control surface?

Accepted Answer

To relieve the pilot of sustained control forces

Answer

Trim tabs are adjusted to relieve the pilot of continuous pressure needed to maintain a desired flight attitude.

Question 2

Which type of cable rigging check verifies that control surfaces move in the correct direction when cockpit controls are deflected?

Accepted Answer

Operational check

Answer

An operational check confirms correct direction of surface movement relative to cockpit control input, ensuring no crossed cables.

Question 3

A differential aileron system is designed to move the upgoing aileron:

Accepted Answer

More than the downgoing aileron

Answer

Differential ailerons reduce adverse yaw by raising the upgoing aileron a greater amount than the downgoing aileron is lowered.

Question 4

What does a 'hard over' failure in a fly-by-wire flight control actuator mean?

Accepted Answer

The actuator drives the control surface to its maximum deflection and holds

Answer

A hard-over failure causes the actuator to drive the surface to its physical stop and remain there, a potentially catastrophic condition.

Question 5

On a Cessna-style single-engine aircraft, the elevator control system uses which type of cable routing at the empennage?

Accepted Answer

Cables routed over pulleys to a bellcrank

Answer

Most light aircraft route elevator cables aft over a series of pulleys and fairleads to a bellcrank that converts cable motion to surface movement.

Airframe Mechanic Certification Practice Test