Aviation Mechanic - General, Airframe, and Powerplant › II. Airframe › Task C. Flight Controls

AM.II.C.K9

Knowledge

Flutter and flight control balance.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe p. 1-23
Chapter 1: Aircraft Structures › Flight Control Surfaces › Primary Flight Control Surfaces
primary flight control surfaces. Note that the control surfaces of fabric-covered aircraft often have fabric-covered surfaces just as aluminum-skinned (light) aircraft typically have all-aluminum control surfaces. There is a critical need for primary control surfaces ... aluminum flight control surface. Performed to manufacturer’s instructions, balancing usually consists of assuring that the center of gravity of a particular device is at or forward of the hinge point. Failure to properly balance a control surface could lead…
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe p. 4-87
Chapter 4: Aircraft Metal Structural Repair › Basic Principles of Sheet Metal Repair › Flutter & Vibration Precautions
flight control flutter. Flutter & Vibration Precautions To prevent severe vibration or flutter of flight control surfaces during flight, precautions must be taken to stay within the design balance limitations when performing maintenance or repair. The importance of retaining the proper…