What should be done after repairing or re-covering a rudder?

After repairing or re-covering a rudder, the most critical step is to rebalance the surface to the manufacturer's specifications. This ensures that the rudder functions correctly and safely within the aircraft's aerodynamic parameters. An unbalanced rudder could lead to handling issues that could affect the aircraft's performance during flight.

Rebalancing involves checking the weight distribution and ensuring that the rudder is acting as intended. Adhering to the manufacturer's specifications is vital because these guidelines are established based on thorough testing and engineering principles, ensuring that the rudder will perform optimally under operational conditions.

While repainting the rudder, conducting a flight check, or storing it until the next inspection may seem relevant, they do not address the immediate need for ensuring the rudder's operational integrity after it has been repaired or re-covered. Repainting could enhance aesthetics but does not affect performance, conducting a flight check would be premature without verifying balance, and storing it does not contribute to operational readiness.