After repairing or re-covering a rudder, what should be done to ensure its performance?

Balancing the rudder to the manufacturer's specifications is essential for ensuring optimal performance of the flight control surface. A balanced rudder will maintain stability and effective control during flight, as it ensures that aerodynamic forces are evenly distributed when the rudder is deflected. If a rudder is not properly balanced, it can lead to issues such as excessive control forces, a tendency to yaw, or even adverse aircraft handling characteristics.

After repairs or re-covering, it is critical to measure and adjust the rudder to meet the specific balance standards set by the manufacturer. This process often involves adding or removing weights or adjusting control linkages to achieve the desired balance point. Ensuring that the rudder is balanced helps in maintaining the aircraft's handling qualities and overall safety during operations.

While painting the rudder may be necessary for aesthetic or corrosion protection reasons, it does not directly influence the rudder's performance. Similarly, replacing the rudder is an unnecessary step if the existing rudder can be serviced and balanced effectively. Testing at maximum speed could be a part of flight testing but is not a standard procedure required after repairs to ensure the rudder's performance specifically.