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.
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.
If you’re trimmed up on final and power up to go around, can you stop the excessive pitch and relieve pressure by trimming down, or do you need to reduce power some to take that pressure off the trim tab first?
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
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.
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Outstanding presentation.
The image and explaination for when trim is needed was especially helpful.
High Five Greg!
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.
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.
clear, concise and precise, nice job
Excellent overview on trim! Thanks for putting this together.
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙌
Great video. Thanks
Trim is my favorite control
If you’re trimmed up on final and power up to go around, can you stop the excessive pitch and relieve pressure by trimming down, or do you need to reduce power some to take that pressure off the trim tab first?
5:55 On final you would trim with a nose up attitude? Shouldn't it be nose down?
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
Wish I saw this three years ago :)
And I thought you were going to explain how to trim a drone.
🤣☺
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.
But you also trim on climb and descent, not just level flight.