Rigging cables?

[FredFenster]

I'm not sure if I'm using the right term or not, but I'm referring to the wires that I see on some airplanes connecting the top of the tail to the top of the fuselage. Why are they required on some aircraft? Specifically, I'm taking lessons in an Arrow, there's no cable on it. I googled the N number and there's a picture of the same aircraft from a few years ago with a cable running from the tail to the fuselage. I've seen 172's with and without those cables too. What happens to an aircraft that would require them (or in my case, why would it be removed)?

 

[bnt83]

It's an antenna for an oudated radio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_direction_finder



On jets, its probably an HF radio antenna. HF radios are required to cross oceans I believe.

 

[murphey]

It's an antenna for an oudated radio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_direction_finder

I dunno, I'm rather fond of my ADF/DME set up.

 

[FredFenster]

That makes sense, its got newer radios. No more wondering if something is missing and the tail might fall off.

 

[Bill]

It's an antenna for an oudated radio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_direction_finder



On jets, its probably an HF radio antenna. HF radios are required to cross oceans I believe.

True story, on my PP checkride, DPE points to the cable and asks "What's that cable do, looks like it holds the tail up".....

 

[Norman]

DPE points to the cable and asks "What's that cable do, looks like it holds the tail up".....

Used to hang your clothes after preflighting in the rain.

 

[brien23]

Used to hang your clothes after preflighting in the rain.

A wire for birds to perch on and poop on the plane.

 

[Brad Z]

It's good for stringing Christmas lights though

 

[denverpilot]

Dang it. I can't find my copy of the photo with the girl in the bikini who hung her clothes to dry on the ADF antenna.

 

[Hiperbiper]

I used to use the ADF in my Grumman to listen to AM talk radio. I had to pay attention though; the plane kept trying to go to the right...

Chris

 

[denverpilot]

I used to use the ADF in my Grumman to listen to AM talk radio. I had to pay attention though; the plane kept trying to go to the right...

Just tune in an NPR station. You'll drag a left wingtip.

 

[davidm767]

Just tune in an NPR station. You'll drag a left wingtip.