What is the function of a cable tension regulator?

• A. It automatically adjusts the cable tension to compensate for expansion and contraction in the aircraft structure
• B. It measures fuel flow
• C. It changes the angle of attack of the wings
• D. It dampens cockpit vibrations

Answer: (A)

Cable tension regulation focuses on automatically maintaining the correct control cable tension as the airframe expands or contracts with temperature and load changes. The regulator senses slack and tightness in the cables and adjusts them—tightening when cables tend to loosen and giving a little slack when they would be too tight—so the controls feel consistent and move smoothly. This helps prevent excessive slack, binding, or wear at fittings and maintains predictable control response.

It isn’t about measuring fuel flow, changing the wing’s angle of attack, or damping cockpit vibrations. Those are separate functions handled by fuel systems, control surfaces/trim mechanisms, and vibration dampers, respectively.