14 CFR § 25.409 - Tabs.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t14/s25.409"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "14 CFR § 25.409 - Tabs."
title_number: 14
title_name: "Aeronautics and Space"
section_number: "25.409"
section_name: "Tabs."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "AIRCRAFT"
part_number: "25"
part_name: "AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS: TRANSPORT CATEGORY AIRPLANES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702 and 44704; Pub. L. 115-254, 132 Stat 3281 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note)."
regulatory_source: "Docket No. 5066, 29 FR 18291, Dec. 24, 1964, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "25"
---


# 25.409 Tabs.

(a) *Trim tabs.* Trim tabs must be designed to withstand loads arising from all likely combinations of tab setting, primary control position, and airplane speed (obtainable without exceeding the flight load conditions prescribed for the airplane as a whole), when the effect of the tab is opposed by pilot effort forces up to those specified in § 25.397(b).

(b) *Balancing tabs.* Balancing tabs must be designed for deflections consistent with the primary control surface loading conditions.

(c) *Servo tabs.* Servo tabs must be designed for deflections consistent with the primary control surface loading conditions obtainable within the pilot maneuvering effort, considering possible opposition from the trim tabs.