Hi Jay, I agree with your numbers concerning allowable elevator and aileron play. Concerning rudder movement though, per service memo 56, the allowable free play is 1/4 inch. The 1/2 inch tolerance that you quote relates to AD 57-02-01 which is allowable rudder movement tested under a specific load.
Last year at Kevin's request, I made some gauges to help with these measurements for handout at the convention. I was not at the maintenance seminar, so I don't know if there were any takers, but if so, please note that for the rudder, only the AD value is given. When I measure rudder free play, I visually reference 1/2 of the AD value on the gauge to get my 1/4 inch reference. Cheers, Bill Jay said: I believe that the maximum travel for the elevator is < 3/8". The rudder travel should be < 1/2", and the aileron should be < 5/16".
