For this reason, they must fall back on what might be called a `good practices concept' and assume that, for all practical purposes, when a control surface is properly mass balanced in its static condition, it should also be in dynamic balance. The dynamic balance of aircraft surfaces is similarly effective but homebuilders really have no practical way of working out the dynamic balance of a control surface subjected to the stresses of flight. A more effective way, however, is dynamic balancing (spin balancing).

Relating this more specifically to our subject, it also means balancing a control surface while it is at rest (not in flight).ДЄutomobile wheels, as you know, can be balanced statically (while at rest). Static balance - A condition that exists when an object (wheel, propeller, control surface, anything) remains stationary while supported on, or suspended from its own center of gravity.

But before I continue, let me discuss a few terms and phrases. Fortunately, there are a few useful assumptions and certain recognized `good practices' which have been sifted out and any builder willing to apply the guidelines can do much to avoid having a flutter problem. So long that flutter specialists must be wallowing around knee deep in the accumulation of flutter fodder generated from years of research and testing. Most of us are aware that the flutter problem is a complex one and it has been around aviation for a long time. How long do you think it would stay with the airplane? Not for long, I'll wager! Now, imagine one of your control surfaces acting like a flag in the breeze. But to better relate it to our subject, it should be described as a potentially destructive vibration or buffeting of an aircraft due to an out-of-balance condition of one or more of its control surfaces. FLUTTER? WELL, SIR, flutter is what a flag does wildly on the flag pole on those days when it is too windy for you to fly.

What is control surface