When inspecting a control cable turnbuckle for proper installation, how many turns should the safety wire ends be wrapped around the terminal end shanks at a minimum?

The correct answer is that a minimum of four turns of safety wire should be wrapped around the terminal end shanks of a control cable turnbuckle. Safety wiring is a critical practice in aviation because it helps prevent the turnbuckle from loosening during operation due to vibrations or dynamic loads.

Wrapping the wire around the terminal end shanks provides a secure means of locking the turnbuckle in position. The requirement for four turns ensures that there is sufficient tension and binding to keep the wires in place effectively while also allowing for the necessary flexibility and play in the system.

This number of turns was determined based on standards established in aviation maintenance practices, which aim to enhance safety and reliability in aircraft systems. More than four turns could lead to unnecessary tension or difficulty in making adjustments, while fewer could compromise the effectiveness of the safety measure. Thus, four turns strike the right balance between security and functionality.