After repairing or re-covering a rudder, what should be done with the surface?

Rebalancing a rudder to the manufacturer's specifications is an essential step after any repair or re-covering process. This is because the distribution of weight and the overall balance of control surfaces can be significantly altered during these repairs. Proper balancing ensures that the rudder operates smoothly and effectively within the aircraft's aerodynamic envelope.

When a rudder is not properly balanced, it may lead to adverse effects during flight, such as control difficulties or unsteady handling characteristics. This could result in increased pilot workload, and potentially dangerous flight situations. Therefore, verifying that the rudder is correctly balanced is crucial for safe operation.

While painting the rudder to match the aircraft's color, checking for flexibility, and installing it immediately without checks are considerations in maintaining the aesthetic or functional attributes of the rudder, none of these ensure that the rudder will perform correctly in flight. Balancing is pivotal for ensuring safety and compliance with engineering specifications.