FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionMedium
A technician is rigging the aileron control cables on a light airplane and uses a cable tensiometer to check cable tension. Which factor must the technician also consider when interpreting the tensiometer reading for an accurate rigging value?
- AThe airspeed indicator calibration
- BThe fuel quantity in the wing tanks
- CThe ambient temperature at the time of measurement
- DThe color of the cable coating
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The ambient temperature at the time of measurement
Cable tension changes with temperature because metal expands and contracts, so rigging charts specify the correct tension for a given ambient temperature. The technician must reference the temperature-compensated rigging chart along with the tensiometer reading.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Airspeed indicator calibration is unrelated to cable rigging.
- B. Fuel quantity does not affect flight control cable tension.
- D. Cable coating color has no effect on tension readings.
Cable Tension Rigging
Process of adjusting flight control cable tension to manufacturer specifications using a tensiometer, accounting for ambient temperature.
- Tensiometer measures cable tension in pounds
- Rigging charts list correct tension per temperature
- Improper tension causes control stiffness or slack
Memory trick: Hot day, loose cable — temperature sets the tension target