What is measured to ensure proper wing rigging?

The correct answer focuses on the angle of incidence and dihedral angles because these measurements are crucial for ensuring that the wings of an aircraft are properly rigged for optimal aerodynamic performance.

The angle of incidence is the fixed angle between the wing's chord line and the horizontal reference line of the fuselage. This angle affects how airflow interacts with the wing, impacting lift and overall aerodynamic efficiency. Proper setting of the angle ensures that the aircraft can achieve the necessary lift during various phases of flight without excessive drag or adverse handling characteristics.

Dihedral angle, on the other hand, refers to the upward angle of the wings from horizontal. This angle contributes to the aircraft's lateral stability. A correct dihedral angle helps ensure that the aircraft returns to level flight after being disturbed by external forces such as turbulence. Therefore, measuring and configuring these angles accurately is essential for safe and effective flight.

While other factors like weight distribution, control surface deflection, and thrust are important in their contexts, they do not directly relate to the specific rigging of the wings in terms of maintaining their designed aerodynamic characteristics.