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C172 Ailerons

Asked by: 9412 views Aircraft Systems

Does anyone know if the Cessna 172 has frise type ailerons or differential? Combination of both? I can not find it anywhere. Thanks!

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1 Answers



  1. JCBaum on Nov 13, 2019

    The Frise Aileron has a pivot point at approximately 20-30% of the aileron’s cord and attached near the bottom edge. The next time that you have the chance, look at the attach system for the 172 aileron. It is attached to the wing structure with a ‘Piano Hinge” style at the upper leading edge of the aileron, so it is not a Frise type. You’ll also notice that the aileron move to a higher angle when “Up” and less when moved “Down”. According to the TCDS for the 172 the ailerons should be adjusted to 20° Up and 14° down deflection when at the control limit. Thus making them “Differential”. Examples of a Frise aileron would be on the P-47 Thunderbolt and the Searay Amfib. Checkout the FAA’s Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge page 6-3.

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