11.9 Flight Controls

Question 1

What is “fly-by-wire” technology?
A) A system that uses pulleys and cables to control the aircraft
B) A system that replaces physical connections with an electrical interface
C) A method for manually controlling aircraft in emergencies

Answer 1

B) A system that replaces physical connections with an electrical interface

Question 2

What are the primary flight controls of an aircraft?
A) Flaps, Spoilers, Slats
B) Ailerons, Elevators, Rudder
C) Throttle, Trim, Brakes

Answer 2

B) Ailerons, Elevators, Rudder

Question 3

The primary flight controls are typically operated from the flight deck by means of:
A) Control stick, control wheel or joystick, rudder pedals
B) Throttle, mixture control, propeller lever
C) Flaps lever, speed brake, trim wheel

Answer 3

A) Control stick, control wheel or joystick, rudder pedals

Question 4

What axis do the ailerons control?
A) Vertical axis
B) Lateral axis
C) Longitudinal axis

Answer 4

C) Longitudinal axis

Question 5

Where are the ailerons attached on the aircraft?
A) Inboard leading edge of each wing
B) Outboard trailing edge of each wing
C) Vertical stabilizer

Answer 5

B) Outboard trailing edge of each wing

Question 6

What axis do the elevators control?
A) Vertical axis
B) Longitudinal axis
C) Lateral axis

Answer 6

C) Lateral axis

Question 7

What movement of the aircraft do elevators control?
A) Roll
B) Pitch
C) Yaw

Answer 7

B) Pitch

Question 8

What axis does the rudder control?
A) Longitudinal axis
B) Vertical axis
C) Lateral axis

Answer 8

B) Vertical axis

Question 9

How is the rudder controlled by the pilot?
A) Control stick
B) Rudder pedals
C) Control wheel

Answer 9

B) Rudder pedals

Question 10

What is the main purpose of trim control tabs?
A) To increase aircraft speed
B) To reduce pilot workload by stabilising the aircraft’s attitude
C) To control landing gear

Answer 10

B) To reduce pilot workload by stabilising the aircraft’s attitude

Question 11

In which direction does a trim tab move in relation to the control surface?
A) Same direction
B) Opposite direction
C) Random direction

Answer 11

B) Opposite direction

Question 12

In which direction does a balance tab move in relation to the control surface?
A) Same direction
B) Opposite direction
C) It does not move

Answer 12

B) Opposite direction

Question 13

In which direction does a servo tab move in relation to the control surface?
A) Same direction
B) Opposite direction
C) It does not move

Answer 13

B) Opposite direction

Question 14

Which tab is directly linked to the flight control input device and can be a primary or back-up means of control?
A) Trim tab
B) Servo tab
C) Balance tab

Answer 14

B) Servo tab

Question 15

What is the function of the servo tab?
A) Provides limited control during an emergency
B) Aerodynamically positions control surfaces that require too much force to move manually
C) Statistically balances the aircraft in flight

Answer 15

B) Aerodynamically positions control surfaces that require too much force to move manually

Question 16

In which direction does an Anti-balance or Anti-servo tab move relative to the control surface?
A) Opposite
B) Same
C) Random

Answer 16

B) Same

Question 17

What does an anti-balance or anti-servo tab do?
A) Increases force needed by the flight crew to change flight control position
B) Decreases the force needed by the flight crew
C) Moves opposite to the control surface automatically

Answer 17

A) Increases force needed by the flight crew to change flight control position

Question 18

What is the direction of motion of a spring tab relative to the control surface?
A) Same
B) Opposite
C) Random

Answer 18

B) Opposite

Question 19

What does the spring assist with during high-speed flight?
A) Increasing control surface force
B) Assisting when control forces become too high
C) Decreasing aircraft speed

Answer 19

B) Assisting when control forces become too high

Question 20

Which two active aeroelastic load control techniques are mentioned?
A) Auto-pilot and Flight Director
B) Manoeuvre Load Control (MLC) and Gust Load Alleviation (GLA)
C) Stall Warning and Ground Proximity

Answer 20

B) Manoeuvre Load Control (MLC) and Gust Load Alleviation (GLA)

Question 21

What is the main goal of Manoeuvre Load Control (MLC)?
A) To increase wing root bending moment
B) To move the centre of lift inboard and reduce wing root bending moment
C) To reduce total lift generated by the wing

Answer 21

B) To move the centre of lift inboard and reduce wing root bending moment

Question 22

What happens to the total lift generated when MLC is activated?
A) It decreases
B) It remains the same
C) It increases

Answer 22

B) It remains the same

Question 23

What is the main function of a Gust Load Alleviation System (GLAS)?
A) To increase lift during gusts
B) To reduce the effect of gust loads by deflecting control surfaces
C) To disable control surfaces during gusts

Answer 23

B) To reduce the effect of gust loads by deflecting control surfaces

Question 24

What is the main purpose of trailing edge flaps on an aircraft?
A) To increase the camber of the wings for greater lift at slow speeds
B) To increase the aircraft’s top speed
C) To reduce drag during cruise

Answer 24

A) To increase the camber of the wings for greater lift at slow speeds

Question 25

Why are slotted flaps common on many aircraft? A) Because they are the simplest design B) Because the slot improves aerodynamic efficiency and lift C) Because they reduce drag at high speeds

Answer 25

B) Because the slot improves aerodynamic efficiency and lift

Question 26

What are the five different types of leading edge flaps? A) Fixed Slots, Movable Slots, Leading Edge Flaps, Leading Edge Cuffs, Krueger Flaps B) Plain Flaps, Split Flaps, Slotted Flaps, Fowler Flaps, Krueger Flaps C) Ailerons, Elevators, Rudder, Spoilers, Slats

Answer 26

A) Fixed Slots, Movable Slots, Leading Edge Flaps, Leading Edge Cuffs, Krueger Flaps

Question 27

Krueger flaps differ from movable slats because they: A) Rotate out from the lower wing surface in front of the main wing’s leading edge B) Are fixed devices C) Increase drag only

Answer 27

A) Rotate out from the lower wing surface in front of the main wing’s leading edge

Question 28

What is the primary function of ground spoilers? A) Assist in roll control B) Assist in braking the aircraft during landing and rejected take-off C) Reduce speed in flight

Answer 28

B) Assist in braking the aircraft during landing and rejected take-off

Question 29

Flight or roll spoilers assist the ailerons in: A) Increasing lift B) Roll control C) Reducing speed

Answer 29

B) Roll control

Question 30

Speed brakes are primarily used in flight to: A) Assist braking on the ground B) Increase lift C) Reduce speed and increase rate of descent

Answer 30

C) Reduce speed and increase rate of descent

Question 31

When are lift dump spoilers primarily used? A) During take-off to increase lift B) Immediately after landing to rapidly reduce lift C) Only during cruise flight

Answer 31

B) Immediately after landing to rapidly reduce lift

Question 32

Under what conditions can ground spoilers deploy automatically? A) At any time in flight B) When the system is armed and criteria like weight on wheels, airspeed, or idle throttle position are met C) Only when manually controlled by the pilot

Answer 32

B) When the system is armed and criteria like weight on wheels, airspeed, or idle throttle position are met

Question 33

What is the primary purpose of speed brakes? A) Increase lift B) Increase drag and reduce aircraft speed C) Assist in roll control

Answer 33

B) Increase drag and reduce aircraft speed

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of a cable tension regulator in an aircraft control system? A: To maintain uniform cable tension under varying temperature and structural conditions. B: To provide lubrication to the cables. C: To increase the strength of the control cables.

Answer 34

A: To maintain uniform cable tension under varying temperature and structural conditions.

Question 35

What is the function of fairleads in an aircraft control system? A: To guide control cables and prevent vibration. B: To measure the tension in control cables. C: To prevent cables from slipping off pulleys.

Answer 35

A: To guide control cables and prevent vibration.

Question 36

What component in a control system transmits torsional force to actuate ailerons, flaps, or slats? A: Bell crank B: Torque tube C: Tensiometer

Answer 36

B: Torque tube

Question 37

What type of motion does a screw jack convert? A: Rotary motion into linear travel. B: Linear motion into rotary travel. C: Vibrational motion into rotary travel.

Answer 37

A: Rotary motion into linear travel.

Question 38

What is the main function of a screw jack in an aircraft control system? A: To move surfaces under high aerodynamic loads. B: To lubricate moving components. C: To maintain cable tension under temperature variations.

Answer 38

A: To move surfaces under high aerodynamic loads.

Question 39

What are the two main sections of a servo control unit? A: Power section and distribution section B: Actuator section and servo valve section C: Hydraulic section and mechanical section

Answer 39

A: Power section and distribution section

Question 40

What are the three main components of the power section of a servo control unit? A: Cylinder, piston, and servo valve B: Cylinder, piston, and piston rod C: Piston rod, pressure relief valve, and compensator

Answer 40

B: Cylinder, piston, and piston rod

Question 41

What is the damping mode used for? A: To increase control surface movement. B: To act as a gust damper when the aircraft is on the ground. C: To activate the hydraulic pressure system.

Answer 41

B: To act as a gust damper when the aircraft is on the ground.

Question 42

What type of flying controls are manual and power-assisted controls classified as? A: Irreversible controls B: Fully powered controls C: Reversible flying controls

Answer 42

C: Reversible flying controls

Question 43

What distinguishes a fully powered control system from a power-assisted system? A: There is no hydraulic pressure used. B: There is no physical connection between pilot controls and control surfaces, and no feedback to the pilot. C: The pilot manually operates all controls without assistance.

Answer 43

B: There is no physical connection between pilot controls and control surfaces, and no feedback to the pilot.

Question 44

In a non-reversible (fully powered) flight control system, what is true about feedback to the pilot? A: The pilot receives full aerodynamic feedback. B: There is no physical feedback of control forces to the pilot. C: Feedback is provided through mechanical linkages only.

Answer 44

B: There is no physical feedback of control forces to the pilot.

Question 45

What are pneumatic systems primarily used for on aircraft? A: Primary flight controls B: Backup to essential services like emergency landing gear lowering and emergency brakes C: Powering hydraulic pumps

Answer 45

B: Backup to essential services like emergency landing gear lowering and emergency brakes

Question 46

Why are pneumatic systems not widely used in primary flying control systems? A: They are too heavy B: Because air is compressible C: They require too much electrical power

Answer 46

B: Because air is compressible

Question 47

What are some benefits of fly-by-wireless systems over traditional fly-by-wire? A: Heavier wiring harnesses B: Weight savings and reduced maintenance issues C: More complex mechanical linkages

Answer 47

B: Weight savings and reduced maintenance issues

Question 48

Why is a feel unit installed in hydromechanical or electromechanical flight control systems? A: To provide artificial feel since the flight crew cannot directly feel air-load effects B: To remove all feedback from the controls C: To increase the actual air-load on the control surfaces

Answer 48

A: To provide artificial feel since the flight crew cannot directly feel air-load effects

Question 50

What two types of feel are combined in the artificial feel system? A: Spring feel and hydraulic feel B: Electrical feel and pneumatic feel C: Mechanical feel and electronic feel

Answer 50

A: Spring feel and hydraulic feel

Question 51

What is the primary purpose of a yaw damper system on large aircraft? A: To counter the rolling tendency during flight caused by Dutch Roll B: To control the elevator movement C: To assist in landing gear operation

Answer 51

A: To counter the rolling tendency during flight caused by Dutch Roll

Question 52

What kind of wing design is typically associated with aircraft that use a yaw damper? A: Swept wings B: Straight wings C: Delta wings

Answer 52

A: Swept wings

Question 53

What speed range is considered the transonic region where Mach tuck occurs? A: 0.3 to 0.6 Mach B: 0.75 to 1.2 Mach C: 1.5 to 2.0 Mach

Answer 53

B: 0.75 to 1.2 Mach

Question 54

How does the rudder limiter affect pedal travel at high speeds? A: It restricts pedal travel B: It allows full pedal travel but limits rudder deflection C: It disables rudder control

Answer 54

B: It allows full pedal travel but limits rudder deflection

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of a gust lock system on an aircraft? A: To improve flight performance B: To lock the flight controls when the aircraft is parked to prevent damage from wind gusts C: To assist the pilot during takeoff

Answer 55

B: To lock the flight controls when the aircraft is parked to prevent damage from wind gusts

Question 56

What phrase is commonly found on warning streamers attached to gust locks? A: “LOCK IN FLIGHT” B: “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” C: “HANDLE WITH CARE”

Answer 56

B: “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT”

Question 57

What is the purpose of locking the flight controls when the aircraft is parked? A: To prevent unauthorized access to the cockpit B: To stop control surfaces from moving due to wind gusts and avoid damage C: To prepare the aircraft for immediate flight

Answer 57

B: To stop control surfaces from moving due to wind gusts and avoid damage

Question 58

What does static balance refer to? A: The movement of control surfaces during flight B: The tendency of an object to remain stationary when supported by its center of gravity C: The aerodynamic forces acting on an aircraft

Answer 58

B: The tendency of an object to remain stationary when supported by its center of gravity

Question 59

What does an upward movement of the trailing edge above the horizontal position on a balance stand indicate? A: Underbalance B: Overbalance C: Perfect balance

Answer 59

B: Overbalance

Question 60

What is dynamic balance in a rotating body? A: When the forces on the body are unbalanced causing vibration B: When all rotating forces are balanced within themselves so no vibration occurs during motion C: When the object is stationary

Answer 60

B: When all rotating forces are balanced within themselves so no vibration occurs during motion

Question 61

Why must special safety precautions be observed when handling depleted uranium counterweights? A: Because it is very heavy B: Because it is radioactive C: Because it is flammable

Answer 61

B: Because it is radioactive

Question 62

What are the three general steps when checking the range of movement during rigging? A: Lock controls in neutral, adjust cable tension, adjust control stops B: Remove all control surfaces, adjust hydraulic pressure, repaint the aircraft C: Fly the aircraft, test control surfaces, perform engine checks

Answer 62

A: Lock controls in neutral, adjust cable tension, adjust control stops

Question 63

What is the function of the stick shaker in a stall warning system? A: To vibrate the control column violently to warn the crew of an imminent stall B: To increase the control column movement range C: To lock the control column in place

Answer 63

A: To vibrate the control column violently to warn the crew of an imminent stall

Question 64

Which system is included as a stall warning mechanism? A: Stick pusher only B: Stick shaker only C: Stick shaker and stick pusher/nudger

Answer 64

C: Stick shaker and stick pusher/nudger

Question 65

What is the primary purpose of a stick shaker in a stall warning system? A: To warn the flight crew of an impending stall by shaking the control column B: To provide a gentle input to the control column to avoid a stall C: To lock the control column in the neutral position

Answer 65

A: To warn the flight crew of an impending stall by shaking the control column

Question 66

What does pitch attitude refer to in an aircraft? A: The angle between the wings and the horizon B: The angle between the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and the horizon C: The speed of the aircraft relative to the air

Answer 66

B: The angle between the longitudinal axis of the aircraft and the horizon

Question 67

Which instrument typically displays the pitch attitude? A: Altimeter B: Airspeed indicator C: Attitude indicator (artificial horizon)

Answer 67

C: Attitude indicator (artificial horizon)

Question 68

Where are the angle of attack vanes typically mounted on an aircraft? A: On the wing tips B: On the fuselage C: Inside the cockpit

Answer 68

B: On the fuselage

Question 69

What is the angle of attack (AOA)? A: The angle between the wing chord line and the horizon B: The angle between the oncoming air (relative wind) and a reference line on the aircraft or wing C: The angle between the aircraft’s longitudinal axis and the runway

Answer 69

B: The angle between the oncoming air (relative wind) and a reference line on the aircraft or wing