Tabs

Question 1

What are trim tabs classed as?

Answer 1

A secondary flight control

Question 2

What does a trim tab compensate for?

Answer 2

The imbalance of the aircraft

Question 3

Are trim tabs fixed or movable?

Answer 3

Both

Question 4

When can trim tabs be adjusted?

Answer 4

Before flight

Question 5

When can trim tabs be adjusted?

Answer 5

Before flight

Question 6

How are trim tabs deflected?

Answer 6

To oppose flight control systems direction

Question 7

What do trim tabs do to the control surface?

Answer 7

Keep it in position

Question 8

Where are balance tabs used?

Answer 8

Where excessive force may be needed to move the control surfaces especially at high speeds

Question 9

How are balance tabs connected to the control surface?

Answer 9

Connected by a fixed rod to allow it to automatically move to opposing position

Question 10

What does a balance tab do?

Answer 10

Changes camber assisting deflection but reduces control surface efficiency

Question 11

What are antibalance tabs similar to?

Answer 11

Anti balance tabs but opposite

Question 12

How does an anti balance tab move?

Answer 12

In the same direction as a control surface in order to add resistance

Question 13

How is the deflection of and anti balance tab compared to that of the control surface?

Answer 13

Deflection of tab is greater than the deflection of the surface

Question 14

Where are anti balance tabs used?

Answer 14

With sensitive controls to help with feel

Question 15

What does an anti balance tab mean?

Answer 15

More effort to move the control surface

Question 16

How are servo tabs operated?

Answer 16

Directly by the pilot

Question 17

Where are servo tabs used?

Answer 17

To operate a control surface which is free moving

Question 18

How are servo tabs typically moved?

Answer 18

In opposition to direction of desired flight control

Question 19

What is a balance panel?

Answer 19

Plate connected to the leading edge

Question 20

What are the two chambers created by balance panels?

Answer 20

Upper chamber & lower chamber

Question 21

What assists deflection in balance panels?

Answer 21

Pressure difference

Question 22

What is aerodynamic balance?

Answer 22

Effort required to balance a control surface

Question 23

Where do forces act on a wing in flight?

Answer 23

At the centre of pressure

Question 24

What happens when there’s a centre of pressure behind the hinge line?

Answer 24

There’s a moment force to be overcome

Question 25

When does a spring tab work?

Answer 25

When the force on the flight control surface reaches a certain value

Question 26

Explain why spring tabs are used?

Answer 26

-only activates at higher air speeds
-used when pilot inputs enough force
-deflects to assist control surface movement

Question 27

What is mass balance for?

Answer 27

Centre of pressure & gravity’s relationship to pivot or hing point on surface (fulcrums etc)

Question 28

Where should the centre of gravity be in relationship to the hinge to avoid flutter?

Answer 28

Centre of gravity should be as close to hinge as possible

Question 29

What are the two types of flutter?

Answer 29

Torsional & flexural

Question 30

What are the two types of flutter?

Answer 30

Torsional & flexural

Question 31

What Is control surface bias?

Answer 31

Configuration to get desired flight characteristics

Question 32

What is control surface bias used for?

Answer 32

To give positive or negative bias
Used for autopilot