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Maximum cable deflection through a fairlead

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 10 of 16 on Flight Controls. ACS element AM.II.C.K3 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA fairlead should never deflect the alignment of a control cable more than how much from a straight line?

  1. A5 degrees
  2. B3 degrees
  3. C10 degrees
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 3 degrees

  • A — incorrect Five degrees exceeds the stated limit for fairlead deflection.
  • B — correct Fairleads guide cables in a straight line through structure and should never deflect cable alignment more than 3° from a straight line.
  • C — incorrect Ten degrees is far beyond the stated limit; a deflection that large calls for a pulley, not a fairlead.

BACKGROUND

Fairleads may be made from a nonmetallic material such as phenolic, or a metallic material such as soft aluminum. A fairlead completely encircles the cable where it passes through holes in bulkheads or other metal parts, and it is used to guide cables in a straight line through or between structural members of the aircraft. Fairleads should never deflect the alignment of a cable more than 3° from a straight line. Where the direction of cable movement has to change, a pulley is used instead, since pulleys guide cables and also change the direction of cable movement. Pressure seals, another type of cable guide, are installed where cables or rods move through pressure bulkheads.

STUDY TIP

Remember 3° as the fairlead limit, and associate any change of cable direction with pulleys.

KEY POINTS

  • A fairlead may not deflect cable alignment more than 3° from a straight line.
  • Fairleads are phenolic or soft aluminum and encircle the cable at bulkhead pass-throughs.
  • Pulleys, not fairleads, are used to change cable direction.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch02.txt "Cable System Installation — Cable Guides"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.