Which kind of testing is performed to verify the correct rigging of control surfaces?

Functional checks and control surface travel tests are crucial for verifying the correct rigging of control surfaces on an aircraft. This type of testing involves not only assessing the physical connections and adjustments made during the rigging process but also confirming that the control surfaces move through their intended range of motion as dictated by the design specifications.

During a functional check, technicians will operate the control surfaces (such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders) and observe their response to pilot inputs. They will measure the surface travel to ensure that it meets the pre-established limits. This process helps to ensure that the control surfaces are correctly rigged, functioning as intended, and safely contributing to the aircraft's handling characteristics.

Other types of testing, such as visual inspections, while important, primarily serve to identify obvious issues or visible misalignments. Weight tests and stress tests are more related to assessing the structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities of components rather than verifying operational functionality and correctness of rigging.