How can the flight control balance condition of a control surface be determined?

The flight control balance condition of a control surface is primarily determined by observing the behavior of the trailing edge when the surface is suspended from its hinge points. This method allows you to assess whether the control surface is correctly balanced, as an unbalanced surface will not maintain a neutral position when hung freely.

When the control surface is properly balanced, it should remain level or return to a neutral position without any tendencies to tip or swing excessively. This is crucial for ensuring that the flight control system operates effectively, allowing for precise control during flight. If the trailing edge displays an inconsistent or erratic position, it indicates a balance issue that could adversely affect the aircraft's handling characteristics.

While visual inspections, calculations, and measurements can provide helpful information about various aspects of aircraft control surfaces, the direct assessment of a control surface's behavior while suspended is the most indicative method for identifying balance conditions.