Punjab Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College, Patiala

Procedure Sheet: Module 6 (6.5 to 6.10)

In House Practical No: 16
(04Hrs)

Date of Commence: Date of Complete:

Description of Job: Demonstration and Construction of Aircraft Control cables-

Control Cables and Terminals
 Cables are the most widely used linkage in primaryflight control systems.
 Cable-type linkage is also used in engine controls, emergency extension systems for the
landing gear, and various other systems throughout the aircraft.
 Cable-type linkage has several advantages over the other types.
 It is strong and light weight, and its flexibility makes it easy to route through the aircraft.
 An aircraft cable has a high mechanical efficiency and can be set up without backlash,
which is very important for precise control.
 Aircraft control cables are fabricated out of carbon steel or stainless steel.
 A disadvantage of cable linkage is that tension must be adjusted frequently.
 This is due to stretching as well as expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Cable Construction
 The basic component of a cable is a wire.
 The diameter of the wire determines the total diameter of the cable.
 A number of wires are preformed into a helical or spiral shape and then formed into a
strand.
 These preformed strands are laid around a straight center strand to forma cable.
 Cable designations are based on the number of strands and the number of wires in each
strand.
 The most common aircraft cables are the 7 x 7 and 7 x 19.
 The 7 x 7 cable consists of seven strands of seven wires each.
 Six of these strands are laid around the center strand. (Figure 10-1)
 This is a cable of medium flexibility and is used for trim tab controls, engine controls,
andindicator controls.
 The 7 x 19 cable is made up of seven strands of 19 wires each.
 Six of these strands are laid around the center strand. (Figure 10-1)
 This cable is extra flexible and is used in primary control systems and in other places
where operation over pulleys is frequent.
 Aircraft control cables vary in diameter, ranging from 1/16 to 3/8-inch.
 The diameter is measured asshown in Fig.

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 Punjab Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College, Patiala
Procedure Sheet: Module 6 (6.5 to 6.10)

Name of Instructor...............................................

Signature of Instructor..........................................

Date ...................................................

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