A method for controlling a control surface of an aircraft, the method comprising: actuating a first actuator and a second actuator with a controller so as to pivot the control surface relative to the airframe about a longitudinal axis of a torque member, where the torque member pivotally couples a control surface frame of the control surface to the airframe, and the first actuator and the second actuator are coupled to the torque member at respective opposite ends of the torque member for pivoting the control surface; sensing strain on the torque member with a force balance sensor disposed between the opposite ends of the torque member, the force balance sensor comprising: a mechanical strain amplification system comprising: a sensor torsion member; at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between a first end and a second end of the sensor torsion member; a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and determining a torsional displacement between the first end and the second end of the sensor torsion member based on sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor and adjusting actuation of one or more of the first actuator and the second actuator, with the controller, based on mechanically increased strain sensed by the at least one strain sensor so that the twisting of the torque member is reduced and the sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor are below a predetermined strain threshold. actuating a first actuator and a second actuator with a controller so as to pivot the control surface relative to the airframe about a longitudinal axis of a torque member, where the torque member pivotally couples a control surface frame of the control surface to the airframe, and the first actuator and the second actuator are coupled to the torque member at respective opposite ends of the torque member for pivoting the control surface; sensing strain on the torque member with a force balance sensor disposed between the opposite ends of the torque member, the force balance sensor comprising: a mechanical strain amplification system comprising: a sensor torsion member; at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between a first end and a second end of the sensor torsion member; a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and determining a torsional displacement between the first end and the second end of the sensor torsion member based on sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor and adjusting actuation of one or more of the first actuator and the second actuator, with the controller, based on mechanically increased strain sensed by the at least one strain sensor so that the twisting of the torque member is reduced and the sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor are below a predetermined strain threshold. a mechanical strain amplification system comprising: a sensor torsion member; at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between a first end and a second end of the sensor torsion member; a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and a sensor torsion member; at least one strain sensor coupled to the sensor torsion member between a first end and a second end of the sensor torsion member; a first torsional stiffening member coupled to the first end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and a second torsional stiffening member coupled to the second end of the sensor torsion member and the torque member; and determining a torsional displacement between the first end and the second end of the sensor torsion member based on sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor and adjusting actuation of one or more of the first actuator and the second actuator, with the controller, based on mechanically increased strain sensed by the at least one strain sensor so that the twisting of the torque member is reduced and the sensor signals received from the at least one strain sensor are below a predetermined strain threshold.