TITLE: TRANSMISSIONS AND CONTROL

CABLES TRANSMISSIONS

1. INSPECTIONS OF GEARS, BACKLASH

Gear Inspection
Periodic inspection as specified by maintenance manual is carried out to inspect :

 Cracks
 In securing of mounting
 Wear
 Corrosion
 Alignment check

Backlash

Backlash is the clearances exist between gear teeth at a point of tooth mesh, allowing for expansion
and lubrication. One of the main factors contributing to the malfunctioning of the moving
mechanical parts (gear).
 2. INSPECTION OF BELTS AND PULLEYS, CHAINS AND
SPROCKETS

Inspection of Belts & Pulleys

Belts and pulleys are inspected in accordance with aircraft overhaul manual for:

 Deterioration
 Misalignment
 Tensioning check
 Wears and cracks
 Backlash
 Insecure mounting

Inspection of Chain & Sprockets

Procedures in inspection of chain and sprockets are :

 Ensure that the chain is the correct size and engages smoothly and evenly with the
sprocket without any tendency for the chain to ride on top of the teeth
 Look along the chain to make sure there are no twists or kinks
 Ensure that all connectors are securely fitted and locked
 Examine the sprocket mountings for security and correct position
 Ascertain that the chain is clean and free from corrosion. Lubricate as indicated in the
servicing schedule

Note: Used two spanners, when adjusting the tensional of a turnbuckle

 3. INSPECTION OF SCREW JACKS, LEVER DEVICES, PUSH-PULL
ROD SYSTEMS
Inspection of Screw Jacks, Lever Devices, Push-pull rod system
At the end of this lesson the student will be able to state:

Define the term “Inspect”

Evaluate the following mechanical transmission devices:

 Screw Jacks
 Push-Pull Rod Systems and Lever
 Devices.

Term
Inspect means inspecting the following :

 Security of attachments
 Crack or fracture
 Distortion, dents and abrasions
 Faulty locking devices

Inspection of Push-Pull Rod Lever Devices

Inspect push-pull rod for :

 Insecurity attachment and locking devices
 Chafing, bend and distortion
 Rod‟s, fitting and bearing condition
CONTROL CABLES

4. SWAGING OF END FITTINGS

The end of the cable is inserted into the hollow shank of the end fitting, which is then caused to grip
the cable by squeezing or hammering the shank in a swaging machine.
 5. INSPECTION AND TESTING OF CONTROL CABLES
Cable end fittings in use today are shown in Figure 269. It is checked with a go no-go gauge to ensure
that the swaging has came out properly. Some of the cable fittings are turnbuckles and shackle pins.

Figure 269: Cable end fitting checked with a go / no-go gauge

6. BOWDEN CABLES; AIRCRAFT FLEXIBLE CONTROL SYSTEMS

Bowden Cables

Cable

Short run, lightly loaded type and made of non - corrodible steel wires.
Designed for "PULL" operation only.

Bowden control cable consists of:-

 Cable
 Conduit
 Cable Nipples
 End Fittings
Bowden Control System Components

 There are relatively few component parts to a Bowden Control System.

 Each system is, however, designed to meet a particular requirement, and hence may
differ in detail from the basic control, whilst retaining the functional characteristics of
the basic system

These components are: -

 Hand Lever – Located in aircraft cockpit

 Plain Adjustment Stop – Fitted to the control at the receiving end of the cable.
 Double Ended – To fit a plain adjustment stop to a Bowden control.
 Juntion Box – Used to connect a single cable to two or more cable.

Aircraft Flexible Control System

Bowden Controls

 The Bowden Controls system works only in tension.

 The control is intended for 'pull' operation only, the cable being returned, on release of the
control lever, by a spring.
 Operate trimming tabs, aircraft's flying control surfaces, apply brakes, control fuel cocks
and other controls associated with the aircraft engines.

Teleflex Controls

 Controls operated from the cockpit.

 Provides a more accurate and positive control throughout the range of movement and can be
temporarily locked in any desired position.
 Operating components are engine and propeller controls, trimming controls and fuel valves,
indication of landing gear movements and the position of flaps.
 Consists of flexible, transmitting cable, operating inside rigid or flexible metal conduit.

Chain Controls

 Provide a flexible, strong and positive connection and is used to change the direction of pull
in control runs where consider able force is exerted.
 Control aileron, elevator, trimming tab and engine controls.
 Comprises of sprocket, steel rod or cables