AH-64D Hovering Turns, Force Trim Use, Hold Modes Enabled vs. Active

[@oneworld9071]

For some time throughout the 90's I was very fortunate to fly in high-wing 2-seater frequently with a retired Coast Guard pilot. He'd get me to line up to runways, various other low-risk operations :) However, rudder pedals in real-world are a floppy nightmare for me...... maybe it's cable stretch and delayed response from rudder while taxiing; getting "in sync" with the floppiness is not easy for me. Your rudder curve is pretty interesting, I appreciate the coverage. I tend to pull Y saturation quite far down to feel more manageable. As for Force Trim, it changed my ENTIRE Apache experience........ now that I've clicked with it, my Apache crashes my system every time I try a mission. The one and only aircraft that does so but you got a new subscriber here, guru :)

[@dereklchung]

Thank you so much for this. This has really helped me understand how to manouver the Apache better.

[@Tuuvas]

Latest update is SO nice for controlling the aircraft. I can start using the Force Trim interrupt again

[@TheGalahad78]

Much difference? I was starting to get the knack of the Apache (just a little bit XD)

[@Tuuvas]

@@TheGalahad78 definitely a difference for the better. You'll likely enjoy it more than the last couple updates before this one

[@sloppydog4831]

Finally we can use it closer to what a helo is in real life. Much more stable at speed now, much more useful.

[@Tepnox]

That was excellent and very helpful. Thx alot. I did not know that I could use the Force Trim while having Attitude Mode enabled. Will definitely try that out!

[@sloppydog4831]

Thanks. This is very useful. I'm not using trim release at low speeds and I was thinking I was wrong by doing that. But you showed that "This is the way". Nice!

[@shd4618]

Informative and employable content. Thank you.

[@simonharris3640]

Great video thanks, really useful

[@diabolesco]

Nice info! Thanks for the video

[@bleeckertb]

easy to follow instructions, i don't use force trim because of the fixed wing HOTAS, was wondering if we can disable heading hold?

[@bradmicksflightrelatedthings]

Heading hold is ALWAYS active, unless the force trim is interupted. The Apache requires your to use the force trim, it's how you communicate with the FMC and SAS. If you're not using the force trim, I would definitely encourage you to start, it'll make flying the helicopter that much better!

[@dfed0530]

I've always just tapped the force trim button to hold my cyclic after I make corrections. Is there a difference in tapping vs holding and releasing?

[@bradmicksflightrelatedthings]

Yup. As I stated in the video, the purpose behind pressing and holding the force trim button is to “fly to a trimmed state” which centers the SAS sleeve. This gives the SAS its maximum authority over the flight controls. Tapping runs the risk of engaging a hold mode with the SAS servo near the limit of its authority which will lead to a more less immediate “SAS saturation”, forcing you to have to press and hold the force trim to center the SAS sleeve and correct the condition.

[@macedk]

Same here. Thx B, for the answer :)

[@nicolaskrinis7614]

Hi Casmo, big fan here. I must confess I am a little confused. You are interchanging release and force trim often and I do not get it. Could you please elaborate? Thanks!

[@davetc-be]

I fly with a Puma Pro flight trainer (cyclic, collective & pedal combo setup) which has no springs. In DCS I have trim modes set to joystick with no springs. Does what you say in this video also apply with such a setup?

[@bradmicksflightrelatedthings]

You have to push the force trim button, regardless of your hardware, to update the FMC on where your flight controls are. Even with a dry clutch system that holds your stick in place, you have to push the force trim interrupt to tell the FMC what it’s reference should be.

[@davetc-be]

@@bradmicksflightrelatedthings Thanks for your reply. What I do after each small corrections during flight is to press the force trim button. During your video you said to keep the force trim button depressed (i.e. force trim interrupt) during the whole course of manoevers. I assume this also applies with what you call 'dry clutch system'. In any case many thanks for all of you very informative videos!

[@josemalbran2815]

I dont under stand why in the hover u get blue box only on pedals and not all the controls when u tap the trim in the beginjng of the video when u do the pedal turns

[@diggler64]

will go to bed less stupid tonite

[@rmack9226]

Nice powerpoint.

[@toddw6716]

Good video