C. MAJOR CONTROLS 

Occasional adjustments are required in the tension of the control lines of the major controls to compensate for slight changes in the shape of the envelope with vari› ations of the pressure and of the loading. Tension varies particularly with the fullness of the aft ballonet, a large amount of air in this ballonet causing the cables to slacken. 

An automatic tensioning device located in the aft portion of the car between frames 1 and 2 takes care of part of these variations. In addition, the tension can be adjusted from the pilot’s compartment. The crank on the port side is for the elevator lines, and the one on the starboard side is for the rudder lines. The tension of the controls should be checked from time to time in flight. A check should always be made immediately after a heavy take-off, because of the added sagging of the en› velope caused by the dynamic lift. 

CAUTION: It is particularly important that the pilot check the controls and adjust the tension of the lines as required before take-off and before landing otherwise he may find himself without enough control in an emergency. 

Occasional adjustments may also have to be made in flight. 

