Cable systems are mechanically efficient and may be adjusted without leaving backlash. Cable type linkage has the advantage of being strong and light along with its flexibility making it easy to route through aircraft structure. With this in mind, I will examine the components and procedures necessary to build, install, and maintain a reliable primary control system.Ĭables and their related hardware is the most widely used linkage in primary flight controls on smaller aircraft. Unfortunately, air brakes, if your aircraft is so equipped, are not as effective.

As anxious as I became I felt assured that the brakes on that car would soon end the carnival ride I was experiencing. I remember experiencing the loss of directional control in a 1950 Plymouth automobile years ago. Failure to obtain the desired result in an aircraft control system could be catastrophic. To the operator of any piece of machinery, the turn of the wheel, pull of the handle or push of the knob should produce certain results. This article will focus on the last category. A loss of any one of the three would produce a ride one would not soon forget. The first is the airframe structure and design, second is the powerplant and related systems, and the third category is primary control systems. The performance and safety of an aircraft can be categorized into three main areas. In this article I will present information concerning the hardware items comprising control cable assemblies. Again, emphasis needs to be placed on using only quality hardware purchased from a reliable source. The last article in the April issue detailed rivets and their installation, aircraft screws, turnlock fasteners, and small miscellaneous hardware pieces. In previous articles, I have discussed most of the hardware items needed to build your airplane.

Airplane control cable