General; 2I11; Description And Operation; Standard Practices And Procedures - Piper 6X Maintenance Manual

1.

Description and Operation

The airplane is controlled in flight by standard three-axis control surfaces, consisting of: ailerons (roll);
stabilator (pitch); and rudder (yaw). These controls are operated by movement of the control column-tee
bar assembly and rudder pedals.
On the forward end of each control wheel tube is a sprocket assembly. A chain is wrapped around the
sprockets to connect the right and left control wheels and then back to idler sprockets on the column's
tee bar, which connect to the aileron primary control cables. The cables operate the aileron bellcrank and
push-pull rods. The stabilator is controlled by a cable connected to the bottom of the tee bar assembly
and operates an aft fuselage bellcrank which controls a push rod connected to the balance arm of the
stabilator. Cables also connect the rudder pedals with the rudder horn.
Pitch and yaw trim control is provided by separate adjustable trim mechanisms for both the stabilator and
the rudder. Stabilator trim is controlled by a wheel and drum mounted on the floor tunnel between the
front seats. Cables are routed aft from the drum to a screw assembly mounted above the stabilator
attachment point. This screw assembly in turn moves the push rod which controls the stabilator trim tab.
Rudder trim is controlled by a knob and screw assembly attached to the rudder pedal assembly.
An aileron-rudder interconnect system is provided which consists of a spring loaded cable located in the
fuselage tunnel which connects the aileron cable to the rudder cable.
The flaps are manually operated.
2.

Standard Practices and Procedures

The following tips may be helpful in the removal, installation, and rigging of individual control system
assemblies.
A. It is recommended, though not always necessary, to level and place the airplane on jacks during
rigging and adjustment.
B. Remove turnbuckle barrels from cable ends before withdrawing the cables through the structures.
C. Tie a cord to the cable end before withdrawing the cable through the structures to facilitate
installation of cable.
D. Mark cable ends, etc., before disconnecting, use a felt tip marking pen.
E. Assemble and adjust the turnbuckles so that each terminal is screwed an approximately equal
distance into the barrel. Do not turn the terminals in such a manner that will put a permanent "twist"
into the cables.
F. Cable tensions should be taken with the appropriate control surface in its neutral position.
NOTE: Cable rigging tensions specified must be corrected to ambient temperature in the area
where the tension is being checked, using Chart 1. When installing new cables, initially
tension them 20 to 30 % over nominal tension, then loosen them to the "High Side" of the
tolerance. This "pre-stretching" will aid in maintaining specified tension after flight testing.
G. Check all cable ball ends for proper seating in retainers after setting cable tension.
H. After completion of each adjustment, check the turnbuckles to be sure not more than three terminal
threads are visible outside the barrel. Install the locking clips, and check for proper installation by
trying to remove the clips using fingers only. Both locking clips may be installed in opposite holes.
Locking clips which have been installed and removed must be scrapped and not reused.
Turnbuckles may be safetied in accordance with Advisory Circular 43.13-1, latest revision.

2I11

THE NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
PA-32-301FT / 301XTC
MAINTENANCE MANUAL

GENERAL

27-00-00
Jun 1/03
PAGE 1