I've been looking at a lot of different Cessnas lately, both, while flying them and while kicking tires for a potential purchase.

I've noticed that the control columns that go from the yoke, into the backside of the instrument panel, seem to come in two basic sizes: smaller diameter and much larger diameter. And that the sizes are not strictly proportional to the size (gross weight) of the aircraft that they steer?

The Cessna 152's, 170's, 172's, 180's and 185's that I've seen, all have fairly small diameter control yoke columns, while Cessna 177's, 182's and 206's (all newer that 197?) have much larger diameter columns that appear more robust. When I pointed this out to a couple of older A&P's, they both dryly replied, "Maybe that's why 182's & 206's have such 'HEAVY' controls? Heh-Heh-Heh".

I have no idea what the thickness of these metal tubes are, and since they all have a long history of faithful service, I'm quite sure that they are all plenty strong enough to control the various airplanes. But, its got me wondering . . . .

Why are there two different control column sizes mixed up within the model lines of Cessna airplanes???

Thanx, Dave.

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BluNosDav wrote:...
I have no idea what the thickness of these metal tubes are, and since they all have a long history of faithful service, I'm quite sure that they are all plenty strong enough to control the various airplanes. But, its got me wondering . . . .
Thanx, Dave.

FYI: Cessna Service Bulletin SEB01-3 dated 02/19/2001 refers: Control Yoke Inspection Inspection For Corrosion Below The Pivot Attach Point

Referenced document available at https://support.cessna.com. Alternately, CASA provides some background info online at:https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/awb-27-4-issue-1-cessna-172-180-and-185-primary-flight-control-yoke-inspection