Different Flight Control System Checks

Tension on the cable found on the aircraft should be adjusted to the right cable tension, not too tight and not too loose. Cables are exposed to extensive vibration during flight, that’s why some equipment is used to tighten them and make sure they are adjusted to proper cable tension.

Flight Control System Tools and their Purpose & Function

TURNBUCKLE

Purpose: To correct the proper tightness needed for the cables and avoid unnecessary cable movement

Function: Cable tension is adjusted by this tool

A turnbuckle is a metal connecting device that allows you to gently increase or decrease stress without rotating the ropes or wires it’s attached to.

It is made up of two threaded inserts and a rectangle or oblong body with screw holes threaded in opposing directions on both ends. The non-threaded end of threaded inserts commonly has a screw-eye or a hook. When the inserts are placed into the body and the body is twisted in one position, the screws are all driven out, releasing tension.

The screws are dragged toward the center as the body is twisted in the other direction, generating tension.

PUSH RODS/CONTROL RODS

Purpose: To give push-pull motion in the flight control system

Function: Permits attachment of the flight control system parts to its tube

Metal push-pull rods are used instead of wires in the push-pull control rod system. The way push-pull rods convey force gives them their name.

CONTROL LOCKS

Purpose: To prevent mechanical damage when the aircraft is parked in an open space

Function: Fitted to the control surface or to the cockpit control

This light control lock will protect your control surfaces from drifting in the wind, as well as harm your controls from twisting.

LOCKING WIRES

Purpose: To prevent any rotation of the barrel relating to the end fittings

Function: Secured the wires in a proper place

A vital safety component for establishing mechanical stability is lock wire. Bolts, screws, nuts, and other forms of fasteners will weaken over time, especially in applications with high vibration levels.

When constructing on airplanes, just bolting components together isn’t always adequate, especially when these components will be exposed to the vibrations and strains of flight.

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATOR

Purpose: Maintain the proper cable tension

Function: This tool automatically maintains the correct tension of the cable if the temperature changes

TENSIOMETER

Purpose: To measure the amount of force needed to make an offset in the cable between two anvils

Function: It measures the tension of the cab

The tensiometer can be used to verify the tension, but it’s important to remember that the actual cable tension will differ from the conventional due to instrument faults.

Cable tensiometers are commonly used by mechanics to assess the tension of aviation control cables.