You’re (Probably) Using Trim Wrong

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

We hope you enjoyed this one! What would you like to see us explain next?

[@gordonperry6086]

Outstanding presentation. The image and explaination for when trim is needed was especially helpful. High Five Greg!

[@sofloemir]

There is a very easy way to re-understand the trim (at least for me)... don't trim for level flight. trim for a given airspeed at a given power setting. This will help you get your speed on climbs, descents and even cruise. if you cruise at 100 kts in a c172, trim for that speed, the MINUTE (like tiny tiny touches) to keep your altitude.

[@Flying_Snakes]

Trim is an AOA controller, but agreed It is easier to think of it as trimming for a certain speed and using power to control altitude, like when landing or in your example of cruising at a set speed and using power to set your desired altitude. Conversely, in cruise I typically want a set altitude somewhat regardless of speed, so trimming for that "altitude at a given power setting" will result in actually trimming to the "speed" (or AOA) required to maintain it.

[@matfl89]

Thank you so much!! I've been struggling mad trying to understand how the tab and elevator work together in actual flying, this video has been super helpful!!

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

We’re glad it helped! 🙌

[@MuhammedYassin-p9e]

clear, concise and precise, nice job

[@Chika_Champon]

Excellent overview on trim! Thanks for putting this together.

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙌

[@mr.hughes5808]

Trim is my favorite control

[@jakew9887]

Great video. Thanks

[@detesti]

thanks

[@agisler87]

5:55 On final you would trim with a nose up attitude? Shouldn't it be nose down?

[@adrianharcourt-cooke7204]

In my (limited) experience no. As your speed slows down the aircraft will want to pitch down, meaning you will have to apply more back pressure to maintain your glide slope. This becomes worse as you flare as you will be very slow and there will be a lot of forward pressure. Thus, on final you trim slightly nose up (trim position, the A/C will still be pointing down) to help relieve some of that pressure

[@Anthonyoutsidethebox]

Yeah but how long of a press on the electric yoke trim control equals one full spin of the trim wheel? I’m using a 172 with the electronic control on the yoke for the first time vs manually

[@PilotInstituteAirplanes]

It’s the same procedure as doing it manually. Actuate the switch on the yoke, then let go of the control and see if the plane is trimmed.

[@bigmungus4864]

All i learned is trim it until u can play with the yoke with your light thumbs (its an acquired skill)

[@n6jwp]

And I thought you were going to explain how to trim a drone. 🤣☺

[@martygenska8117]

Wish I saw this three years ago :)

[@tysmith211]

For the algorithm

[@Triple_J.1]

Trim is easy. Lift is a function of: Angle of attack (lift coefficient). And: Velocity squared. (Dynamic Pressure, or "Q"). To maintain altitude, all forces must be in equilibrium. Set power to counter expected drag at Your desired speed. Set angle of attack with the Elevator. (Stick/yoke fore/aft). Then set the trim tab to relieve the stick forces your arms are holding.

[@Darkmouse20001]

'Set the trim tab to relieve the stick force you're holding '. This - nothing else matters. Hold the attitude and trim out the stick force. Really simple, no one should be 'trimming wrong'.

[@justingaskins3440]

No I dnt own or fly I plane 😂 but I love aviation