flap position

[Bcone1381]

I have limited experience launching gliders with a winch that used a steel cable. When a significant tension load was applied to the twisted cables, the cables would stretch, and untwist some. When the tension load is released the cable would spring back. This always caused issues with loops and knots on cable drums, and the radial movement caused wear on the steel cable. The club I belonged to had it share of cable breaks too. Some of the winch launching operations are moving to a braided rope made of Kevlar. The braided rope does not twist, is stronger than steel, and is so light that it floats on water.

I bring this up because after witnessing the winch launches, I wonder if wear is taking place with the flaps 1/8" cable that will cause it fail prematurely due to the twisting action with tension load applied.

Has the Patrol been flight tested with one flap up and one down to ensure that the aileron has authority to maintain control of the aircraft in this abnormal condition?

[Battson]

Some sections of our rudder cables were worn by 200hrs, some strands had already broken due to wear on the fairleads. Other sections still show no wear at 300hrs.

[Helidesigner]

Good points. Cables do wear. At every annual they need to be inspected where ever they contact something.