Airframe Mechanic Aircraft Assembly and Rigging Questions and Answers

Question 1

After replacing a flight control cable, a technician must adjust its tension. Why is it critical to consider the ambient temperature when using a tensiometer?

Accepted Answer

The airframe and cable have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Answer

To prevent corrosion of the turnbuckle threads.

Answer

High temperatures can damage the internal components of the tensiometer.

Answer

The cable's breaking strength is significantly reduced at lower temperatures.

Question 2

A technician is performing a static balance check on an aileron that has just been repainted. The procedure involves supporting the aileron on a knife-edge fixture at its hinge line. Which of the following conditions indicates the aileron is properly balanced?

Accepted Answer

The aileron remains in a horizontal position or exhibits a slight nose-down tendency.

Answer

The trailing edge consistently rises to a 15-degree angle.

Answer

The leading edge slowly drops until it rests on the fixture.

Answer

The aileron oscillates for several seconds before settling with the trailing edge down.

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary purpose of incorporating dihedral in an aircraft's wing design?

Accepted Answer

To enhance lateral stability around the roll axis.

Answer

To increase the wing's overall lift coefficient at high angles of attack.

Answer

To improve longitudinal stability around the pitch axis.

Answer

To decrease parasitic drag during high-speed cruise flight.

Question 4

When safety wiring a turnbuckle using the double-wrap method, what is the generally accepted rule regarding the number of threads that may be exposed at either end of the barrel?

Accepted Answer

No more than three threads.

Answer

No more than five threads.

Answer

Exactly four threads for maximum grip.

Answer

At least five threads must be visible for inspection.

Question 5

A post-maintenance flight test reveals an aircraft has a persistent tendency to roll to the left. Before resorting to trimming devices, the mechanic should perform which of the following rigging checks?

Accepted Answer

A symmetry and incidence check of the wings.

Answer

A cable tension check of the rudder system.

Answer

An operational check of the horizontal stabilizer travel.

Answer

A static balance check of the elevator.

Question 6

What is the primary function of a turnbuckle in an aircraft flight control cable system?

Accepted Answer

To allow for the adjustment of cable length and tension.

Answer

To act as a fusible link that fails under excessive loads.

Answer

To provide a quick-disconnect point for cable removal.

Answer

To dampen vibrations transmitted along the control cable.