7.13 Control Fittings Flashcards
(69 cards)
What is the traditional method of moving aircraft flight control surfaces?
The traditional method is by using flexible control cables terminated at their ends by swaging of a terminal or end fitting.
What is swaging?
Swaging is a process that creates a permanent connection between a control cable and an end fitting by applying pressure.
What technology do modern aircraft use for flight control?
Modern aircraft use digital flight control technology, commonly known as fly by wire.
What was the preferred method before swaged fittings?
The hand-woven splice was the preferred method used on older aircraft.
What are the two most common materials used in aircraft control cables?
The two most common materials are carbon steel and stainless steel.
Why is stainless steel preferred in harsh environments?
Stainless steel has a longer service life in harsh environments, making it better where corrosion can be an issue.
What standards are swage type compression end fittings manufactured in accordance with?
They are manufactured in accordance with AN standards.
What is essential for a correctly swaged terminal?
A correctly swaged terminal ensures that the cable maintains its full rated strength.
What tools can be used for swaging compression end fittings?
Tools include Kearney® swager, hydraulic/pneumatic press, and Nicopress® hand splicing tool.
What is the swaging process using the Kearney® Swager?
The process involves cold roll forging where the terminal is squeezed onto the cable.
What must be done if the cable has a plastic coating before swaging?
The plastic coating must be removed over the length before it can be engaged with the terminal.
What must be checked before starting the swaging operation?
Check that the cable and terminal are of the correct size using a micrometer and GO/NO-GO gauge.
What is the purpose of marking the cable and shank during swaging preparation?
Marking ensures proper alignment and engagement of the cable and terminal during swaging.
What is the maximum number of passes allowed during swaging?
Never use more than four passes during swaging.
What is the purpose of the Nicopress® process?
The Nicopress® process uses a copper sleeve that is mechanically compressed into a cable to form a strong bond.
What is a safety feature for inspecting Nicopress® sleeves?
Applying a band of paint to the cable and sleeve helps indicate if the cable has slipped.
What is required for running splices using Nicopress® sleeves?
Running splices can be made using two Nicopress® sleeves, ensuring full cable strength.
What are the common types of deterioration in aircraft cable systems?
Wire or strand breakage is easy to recognize visually, while wear, corrosion, and distortion are not easily seen.
How often should control cables be inspected?
An annual or 100-hour inspection is recommended to check for broken wire strands.
What must be done if a cable assembly has one broken wire strand in a critical fatigue area?
The cable assembly must be replaced.
What are critical fatigue areas in aircraft cables?
- The working length of a cable over, under, or around a pulley, sleeve, or fair-lead.
- Any section where the cable is flexed, rubbed, or worked.
- Any point within 12 inches (30.5 cm) of a swaged end fitting.
What are possible swaged on fittings for cables?
Eye, Fork, Ball, Ball and shank, Ball and double shank, Threaded stud, Threaded stud and turnbuckle, Compression sleeve.
How can broken wires in critical fatigue areas be detected?
By passing a cloth over the area to snag on broken wires, which also cleans the cable for visual inspection.
What can kinking of a wire cable lead to?
Kinking can create unequal tension and excessive wear, necessitating cable replacement.