As with any system on a specific aircraft, the manufacturer’s maintenance manual and the illustrated parts book must be followed to ensure the correct procedures and parts are used. When a balance cable is installed, check for correct attachment and operation to determine the ailerons are moving in the proper direction and opposite each other.įlap InstallationThe design, installation, and systems that operate flaps are as varied as the models of airplanes on which they are installed. After the aileron is connected to the flight deck controls, the control system must be inspected to ensure the cables/push-pull rods are routed properly. All of the control surfaces require specific hardware, spacers, and bearings be installed to ensure the surface does not jam or become damaged during movement. They may also include instructions for the installation and repair of optional equipment, not listed in the TCDS.Īirplane Assembly Aileron InstallationThe manufacturer’s maintenance and illustrated parts book must be followed to ensure the correct procedures and hardware are being used for installation of the control surfaces. Service letters may provide more descriptive procedures or revise sections of the maintenance manuals. Service instructions may include a recommended modification or repair that precedes the issuance of an Airworthiness Directive (AD). Manufacturer’s Service InformationInformation from the manufacturer may be in the form of information bulletins, service instructions, service bulletins, service letters, etc., that the manufacturer publishes to provide instructions for product improvement. It provides information for acceptable repairs of specific sections of the aircraft. Structural Repair Manual (SRM)The structural repair manual is developed by the manufacturer’s engineering department to be used as a guideline to assist in the repair of common damage to a specific aircraft structure.
The Limitations section of the manual lists “life limits” of the product or its components that must be complied with during inspections and maintenance. Maintenance personnel are required by regulation to follow the applicable instructions set forth by the manufacturer. Maintenance ManualA maintenance manual is developed by the manufacturer of the applicable product and provides the recommended and acceptable procedures to be followed when maintaining or repairing that product. It lists the limitations and information required for type certification, including airspeed limits, weight limits, control surface movements, engine make and model, minimum crew, fuel type, thrust limits, rpm limits, etc., and the various components eligible for installation on the product. It is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when the FAA determines that the product meets the applicable requirements for certification under 14 CFR. Rigging Specifications Type Certificate Data SheetThe Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) is a formal description of an aircraft, engine, or propeller. Rigging also includes the safetying of the attaching hardware using various types of cotter pins, locknuts, or safety wire. In addition to the flight controls, rigging is also performed on various components to include engine controls, flight deck controls, and retractable landing gear component parts. Rigging involves setting cable tension, adjusting travel limits of flight controls, and setting travel stops. Ailerons are attached to the wings, elevators are attached to the horizontal stabilizer, and the rudder is attached to the vertical stabilizer. Aircraft rigging involves the adjustment and travel of movable flight controls which are attached to aircraft major surfaces, such as wings and vertical and horizontal stabilizers.