Thursday, September 13, 2007

FLIGHT CONTROLS - STABILIZER


As mentioned earlier, a stabilizer is essentially a one-piece horizontal stabilizer with the same type of control system. Because stabilizers pivot around a central hinge point, they are extremely sensitive to control inputs and aerodynamic loads.

Antiservo tabs are incorporated on the trailing edge to decrease sensitivity. In addition, a balance weight is usually incorporated ahead of the main spar. The balance weight may project into the empennage or may be incorporated on the forward portion of the stabilizer tips.
 
When the control column is pulled back, it raises the stabilizer's trailing edge, rotating the airplane's nose up. Pushing the control column forward lowers the trailing edge of the stabilizer and pitches the nose of the airplane down. Without an anti-servo tab, the airplane would be prone to over controlling from pilot-induced control inputs.

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