AIRCRAFT WING FLAP SKEW DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A flap skew detection system (100) is configured to detect flap skew of one or more flaps (102, 108) moveably secured to one or more wings (104, 110) of an aircraft (106). The flap skew detection system (100) includes a flap support assembly (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d) that couples a flap (102, 108) to a wing (104, 110). The flap support assembly (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d) includes a fixed portion (200) that is configured to secure to the wing (104, 110), a moveable portion (222) that is moveably coupled to the fixed portion (200) and configured to securely support the flap (102, 108), and a link (232) moveably coupled to the fixed portion (200) and the moveable portion (222). The link (232) includes a cylinder (304) defining an internal chamber (306) including a hydraulic fluid chamber (314), a piston (309) having a piston head (308) within the internal chamber (306), and hydraulic fluid (318) retained within the hydraulic fluid chamber (314). A pressure detector (116) is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic fluid chamber (314). The pressure detector (116) is configured to detect a fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid (318) within the hydraulic fluid chamber (314). The fluid pressure detected by the pressure detector (116) is used to determine existence of flap skew.