Flight Controls A.I

Question 1

What is the boundary layer in relation to an aircraft?

Answer 1

airflow closest to the surface of the aircraft.

Question 2

What are the three types of commonly used flight control systems?

Answer 2

• Cable system
• Push-pull tube system
• Torque tube system

The cable system is the most widely used because deflections of the structure to which it is attached do not affect its operation.

Question 3

What is used in large metal aircraft to keep control cable tension within acceptable limits?

Answer 3

A cable tension regulator.

This device ensures that control cables maintain proper tension for effective operation.

Question 4

What is a fairlead?

Answer 4

cable guide

Question 5

How much cable deflection is acceptable due to a fairlead?

Answer 5

3°

This limit helps maintain the integrity and functionality of the control cables.

Question 6

Where does failure of control cables occur most frequently?

Answer 6

pulleys and through fairleads.

Question 7

Which flight control surfaces are considered the primary group?

Answer 7

• Elevators
• Ailerons
• Rudder

These controls are essential for the basic maneuverability of the aircraft.

Question 8

Which flight controls are considered the secondary group?

Answer 8

• Trim tabs
• Spring tabs
• Wing flaps
• Servo tabs
• Anti-servo tabs

Secondary controls assist but do not independently cause rotation of the aircraft.

Question 9

Which flight controls are in the auxiliary group?

Answer 9

• Trailing Edge Flaps
• Slats
• Slots
• Speed Brakes

These devices are considered high lift devices for slow speed flight.

Question 10

How do wing flaps affect landing speed and approach angle of an aircraft?

Answer 10

decreased speed without decreasing lift.

Question 11

What is a balance tab?

Answer 11

It is an auxiliary control with fixed linkage

Question 12

What is a trim tab?

Answer 12

It is an auxiliary control attached to the trailing edge

Question 13

What is the purpose of the collective pitch control in a helicopter?

Answer 13

change pitch of the main rotor blades.

Question 14

Why is it important for the blades of a helicopter rotor system to be tracked?

Answer 14

To reduce vertical vibrations.

Question 15

What is the most efficient way to check a helicopter rotor for dynamic balance?

Answer 15

balance computer.

Question 16

What unit on a helicopter is used to compensate for torque created by the main rotor?

Answer 16

The tail rotor.

The tail rotor counteracts the torque effect, allowing for controlled flight.

Question 17

What control operates the helicopter tail rotor?

Answer 17

The anti-torque pedals.

Question 18

What are the three axes of an aircraft?

Answer 18

• Longitudinal axis
• Lateral axis
• Vertical axis

Each axis corresponds to specific control surfaces: ailerons for roll, elevators for pitch, and rudder for yaw.

Question 19

What precaution should be taken regarding the position of the bolt when installing an aircraft bolt?

Answer 19

top installed vertically, and forward installed horizontally.

Question 20

How is the propeller torque corrected for during assembly and rigging in some single engine aircraft?

Answer 20

The leading edge is offset to the longitudinal

Question 21

What reference publications should be used to rig aircraft, including the control system?

Answer 21

• Aircraft Specifications
• Type Certificate Data Sheets (FAA)
• Maintenance Manual (manufacturer)

Question 22

What are vortex generators?

Answer 22

low-aspect-ratio airfoils

Question 23

What is a servo tab?

Answer 23

A cockpit control attached to the trailing edge

Question 24

What factors are used to determine the proper cable tension?

Answer 24

• Size of the cable
• Outside temperature

These factors ensure the cable operates effectively under varying conditions.

Question 25

Why do **control surfaces** need to be statically balanced?

Answer 25

To prevent severe flutter. ## Footnote An out of balance control surface can lead to instability and potential failure.

Question 26

What is a **spring tab**?

Answer 26

A flight control that uses a spring to control surface movement

Question 27

What tool can be used to measure **control surface travel**?

Answer 27

A protractor. ## Footnote This tool helps ensure that control surfaces move within specified limits.

Question 28

What does a **helicopter cyclic** do?

Answer 28

Controls the main rotor to change the helicopter's direction of movement. ## Footnote In a hover, it manages forward, backward, and lateral movements.

Question 29

What would cause an **aileron** to flutter?

Answer 29

An out of balance condition on the aileron. ## Footnote Flutter can lead to structural damage and loss of control.

Question 30

Where can you find the **specifications for balancing** the control surfaces of an airplane?

Answer 30

In the aircraft maintenance manual. ## Footnote This manual provides detailed procedures and specifications for maintenance tasks.