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

AM.II.C.S8

Skill

Check the balance of a flight control surface.

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. 4-88
Chapter 4: Aircraft Metal Structural Repair › Basic Principles of Sheet Metal Repair › Flutter & Vibration Precautions
control surface in flight. Under certain conditions, counterbalance weight is added forward of the hinge line to maintain balance. Add or remove balance weights only when necessary in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Flight testing must be accomplished ... ensure flutter is not a problem. Failure to check and retain control surface balance within the original or maximum allowable value could result in a serious flight hazard. Aircraft manufacturers use different repair techniques and repairs designed and approved…
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe p. 7-37
Chapter 7: Advanced Composite Materials › Solid Laminates › Bonded Flush Patch Repairs
repair. Remove the repair patch if defects are found. [Figure 7-63] Perform a balance check if a repair to a flight control surface was made, and ensure that the repaired flight control is within limits of the SRM. Failure…
Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Airframe p. 2-36
Chapter 2: Aerodynamics, Aircraft Assembly, & Rigging › Airplane Assembly & Rigging › Rebalancing of Control Surfaces
repainted, the balance of the control surfaces must be checked. Any control surface that is out of balance is unstable and does not remain in a streamlined position during normal flight. For example, an aileron that is trailing edge heavy…