Control Cable Tension

[Dano"T"]

I did a search without conclusive results. We are performing an FAA flight test for an STC tomorrow and the FAA would like data on control cable tension (rudder, aileron, elevator) I told them that there was not a "Number" given to the tension to my knowledge....just so it's straight and there is not "excessive" slop....can anyone confirm? They are the FAA so they are not impressed with "vauge" answers. Maybe I should call Forrest.....anyone else???...am I right on this? I have a manual...just not on me...it's at the hangar 120 miles away.

[alwaysoar]

Re: Control Cable Tension

Do a search, I think it's in the archives. However, Forrest just says "loose."

[VictorBravo]

Re: Control Cable Tension

See if the 43.13 book has a general range of tensions for certain cable sizes. If so, then you can tell the FAA that it is approved or acceptable data and move on with your flight test.

What STC are you doing?

[jgerard]

Re: Control Cable Tension

The aileron cable from the yoke to the mixer at the rear spar carrythorough cable tension must be adjusted with the yoke centered (elevator neutral) as you may have noticed the cable tension changes with the back and forth movement of the big "H" under the dash. I like to set the tension on that part of the system with the wing cables dissconnected or verry loose. I run the aileron cables in the wings with about a 1/4" droop down on both ailerons. The T-craft manual says rig them level with the T.E. and sug NOT TIGHT.

Rudder cables are adjusted so the peddals are even. There are low tension springs between the peddals and firewall that keep fwd pressure on the pedals and the slack out of the cables.

Run the elevator up against the stop and hold it while adjusting cable tension.
I like cables loose enough that you can still spin the pullys over the cable with out too much force. Refer to 43.13 on cable and pully wear from over tightened cables.

I have heard that most guys rig the Tcraft cables way too tight. Set it loose and if it flys slopy then tighten em up. Worn out pullies will affect how well all this works so if you think the cable tension is propper but it still feels like your sawing wood find the stuck pully.

As far as published numbers. I can't answer that question. I know your question was not related to how to rig them, but its all I know to do. 43.13 says to follow the manufactures recomendations. The only available published info I can find is in the "Taylorcraft Owners Manual" and it says "All cables should be adjusted until they are snug NOT TIGHT."

[1948TCARTDRIVER]

Re: Control Cable Tension

The beauty of the Taylorcraft is its simple systems, the flight controls included. The pulleys use plain bushings and the cables run thru guide blocks. Any excess tension will cause unnecessary ware to the cable, blocks and pulleys. I tension my cables just enough to take most of the slack out of the runs. Even if you did have a factory specification for the tensions you would need a calibrated tensiometer or another acceptable way to measure them. Just as important is that you have a good clean run with no interference on the cables and that the flight controls move freely and in the proper direction with the correct amount of deflection.

Good luck .