Regulations last checked for updates: May 19, 2024

Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space last revised: May 07, 2024
§ 25.397 - Control system loads.

(a) General. The maximum and minimum pilot forces, specified in paragraph (c) of this section, are assumed to act at the appropriate control grips or pads (in a manner simulating flight conditions) and to be reacted at the attachment of the control system to the control surface horn.

(b) Pilot effort effects. In the control surface flight loading condition, the air loads on movable surfaces and the corresponding deflections need not exceed those that would result in flight from the application of any pilot force within the ranges specified in paragraph (c) of this section. Two-thirds of the maximum values specified for the aileron and elevator may be used if control surface hinge moments are based on reliable data. In applying this criterion, the effects of servo mechanisms, tabs, and automatic pilot systems, must be considered.

(c) Limit pilot forces and torques. The limit pilot forces and torques are as follows:

Control Maximum forces or torques Minimum forces or torques
Aileron:
Stick100 lbs40 lbs.
Wheel 180 D in.-lbs 240 D in.-lbs.
Elevator:
Stick250 lbs100 lbs.
Wheel (symmetrical)300 lbs100 lbs.
Wheel (unsymmetrical) 3100 lbs.
Rudder300 lbs130 lbs.

1 The critical parts of the aileron control system must be designed for a single tangential force with a limit value equal to 1.25 times the couple force determined from these criteria.

2 D = wheel diameter (inches).

3 The unsymmetrical forces must be applied at one of the normal handgrip points on the periphery of the control wheel.

[Doc. No. 5066, 29 FR 18291, Dec. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 25-38, 41 FR 55466, Dec. 20, 1976; Amdt. 25-72, 55 FR 29776, July 20, 1990]
authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702 and 44704; Pub. L. 115-254, 132 Stat 3281 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note)
source: Docket No. 5066, 29 FR 18291, Dec. 24, 1964, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 14 CFR 25.397