What factors are used to determine the proper cable tension?

The proper cable tension is primarily influenced by the size of the cable and the outside temperature. The size of the cable affects its strength and flexibility, which are crucial for determining how much tension it can effectively handle without failing. Different sizes of cables have varying elastic and tensile properties, influencing how the cable responds under tensioning.

Additionally, outside temperature plays a significant role in cable tension. As temperature changes, materials expand or contract. For instance, in colder temperatures, a cable may contract and require higher tension to maintain its effectiveness, while in warmer temperatures, it may expand and require less tension. This relationship is critical for ensuring that the cable functions properly across varying environmental conditions, contributing to the overall safety and performance of the aircraft system it is part of.

Considering the other options, while there are various factors that can affect aircraft operations, they do not directly address how cable tension is established. Factors such as humidity or pilot weight do not have a direct mechanical relationship with cable tension specifically, unlike cable size and temperature, which are fundamental to understanding tension dynamics.