FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionHard
After rigging the ailerons on a light airplane, a technician checks control surface travel using a protractor against the manufacturer's specified up and down travel limits. Why is verifying these exact travel limits critical, beyond simply achieving smooth control feel?
- ATravel limits are cosmetic and do not affect flight safety
- BTravel limits are only checked to satisfy paperwork requirements, not flight performance
- CTravel limits only affect fuel consumption during cruise flight
- DExcessive or insufficient travel can cause improper control authority and increase susceptibility to flutter
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Excessive or insufficient travel can cause improper control authority and increase susceptibility to flutter
Control surface travel limits are engineered based on aerodynamic and structural analysis; deviations can reduce control authority needed for maneuvering or, in more critical cases, alter the aerodynamic balance in a way that increases susceptibility to control surface flutter, a potentially catastrophic condition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Travel limits are safety-critical, not merely cosmetic.
- B. Travel checks are functional safety checks, not just paperwork formalities.
- C. Fuel consumption is not the primary safety concern behind travel limit specifications.
Control Surface Travel Check
A rigging verification using a protractor or travel board to confirm control surface deflection matches manufacturer-specified limits in both directions.
- Performed after any rigging, repair, or cable replacement
- Deviation can reduce control authority or contribute to flutter
- Checked with a protractor, travel board, or rigging fixture per maintenance manual
Memory trick: 'Travel limits keep the surface from flapping into flutter.'