Airframe Mechanic Flight Control Systems Questions and Answers

Question 1

After a minor repair and repainting of an aileron, what procedure is critical to perform to prevent a potentially catastrophic in-flight failure?

Accepted Answer

Re-balancing the control surface.

Answer

Applying a corrosion-inhibiting compound.

Answer

Checking for correct color matching under UV light.

Answer

Measuring the thickness of the new paint layer.

Question 2

A technician is rigging the flight controls of an aircraft and notes that for a left roll command, the left aileron moves 20 degrees up, while the right aileron moves 15 degrees down. What is this design feature called and what is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

Differential aileron travel; to counteract adverse yaw.

Answer

Aileron droop; to increase lift during takeoff.

Answer

Symmetrical travel; to ensure a constant roll rate.

Answer

Flaperon mixing; to combine the function of flaps and ailerons.

Question 3

Which of the following are all considered primary flight controls?

Accepted Answer

Ailerons, elevator, and rudder.

Answer

Flaps, slats, and spoilers.

Answer

Trim tabs, ailerons, and flaps.

Answer

Spoilers, elevator, and slats.

Question 4

In a fly-by-wire (FBW) system, what is the primary function of the Flight Control Computer (FCC)?

Accepted Answer

To process pilot inputs and sensor data, then command actuators to move control surfaces.

Answer

To mechanically link the pilot's yoke directly to the control surface actuators.

Answer

To cool the hydraulic fluid that is used to move the control surfaces.

Answer

To serve as a backup instrument display in case of a primary flight display failure.

Question 5

The primary purpose of an elevator trim tab is to:

Accepted Answer

Relieve the pilot of the need to maintain constant pressure on the control column.

Answer

Increase the maximum travel range of the elevator.

Answer

Act as a backup control surface in case the main elevator fails.

Answer

Dampen out high-frequency vibrations to prevent elevator flutter.

Question 6

A technician must check the tension of a control cable system. Why is it essential to measure the ambient air temperature and use a manufacturer's chart during this procedure?

Accepted Answer

The steel cables and the aluminum airframe have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Answer

The tensiometer's spring is only accurate at a specific calibrated temperature.

Answer

High temperatures can cause the cable's anti-corrosion coating to become too soft for an accurate reading.

Answer

The chart is needed to convert the tensiometer's reading from pounds to newtons.