How do you adjust flight control cable tension during maintenance?
Cable tensions are adjusted by twisting the turnbuckles that connect different sections of cable together. It’s a simple system, but you need to hold each cable end stable while turning the turnbuckle in order to avoid putting twisting stress on the cable itself.
What is cable inspection?
A visual inspection of all the cables in your facility is a great way to find trouble before it causes you a downtime. We look for corrosion on the copper, cracks in the insulation, moisture on the cables and many other indicators of damage to the cables.
What is the purpose of a control cable in aviation?
These cables are employed throughout an aircraft, used for everything from adjustable seat back control to the controlled movement of the wing flaps and landing gear in planes with analog flight control systems.
Where is cable tension checked?
The tensiometer gives the most accurate reading for a cable tension when the tension is measured along a freestanding section of the cable, away from pulleys or turnbuckles.
What is aircraft inspection?
The process of systematically examining, checking and testing aircraft structural members, components and systems, to detect actual or potential unserviceable conditions. Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.
Why do we need aircraft inspections?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) points out, quite simply, that “regularly scheduled inspections and preventative maintenance assure airworthiness.” Maintaining aircraft parts and service reduces malfunctions and the possibility of operating failures because it detects minor defects and wear and tear early on.
How do you inspect cable?
How do you visually inspect wire ropes?
- Use the “rag-and-visual” method to check for external damage. Grab the rope lightly and with a rag or cotton cloth, move the rag slowly along the wire.
- Measure the rope diameter.
- Visually check for abrasions, corrosion, pitting, and lubrication inside the rope.
What are the ways to inspect the cables?
What is Done During Cable Testing?
- Compare cable data with drawings and specifications.
- Check uncovered parts of cable for material damage.
- Check bolted electrical connections for high resistance with the use of a calibrated torque-wrench, low-resistance ohmmeter or thermographic survey.
How to check rigging and tension in a flight control system?
When checking rigging and tension in a flight control system, the first step is to put the stick/yoke in a neutral position, or the position recommended by the manufacturer for the particular system being adjusted. The ailerons are usually the most time-consuming system to rig.
What are aircraft control cables made of?
Most general aviation aircraft control systems include flexible steel cables, otherwise known as wire rope. The cables can be manufactured from galvanized steel or stainless steel alloy, depending on the specs from the aircraft manufacturer.
Why inspect and maintain aircraft?
The time spent in repairing an abused aircraft often totals far more than any time saved in hurrying through routine inspections and maintenance. It has been proven that regularly scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance assure airworthiness. Operating failures and malfunctions of equipment are
What is the flight control system in an airplane?
The flight control system in most airplanes consists of a series of bellcranks and rods that connect the flight control surface (aileron, rudder, or elevator) to a series of cables that run through the wings and fuselage to the yoke or stick. These cables transmit the motion applied by the pilot at the stick/yoke to the control surface.