Trimming Systems

Question 1

What kind of control is trimming?

Answer 1

Very important secondary control

Question 2

Main function

Answer 2

Allow the pilot to trim the aircraft into a stable flight condition

Question 3

Why is a trimming system used?

Answer 3

There is almost never a situation in flight when all forces acting on the aircraft balance each other out
To hold the controls so that the aircraft is in equilibrium requires a certain amount of force and can become tiring very quickly
Trimming system is used to hold the aircraft controls in the required place to keep the aircraft in equilibrium

Question 4

The aircraft is then said to be…

Answer 4

In trim

Question 5

How does it work?

Answer 5

On light aircraft, you trim through fixed and adjustable trim tabs
A trim tab is mounted on each set of control surfaces E.g. elevator, ailerons and rudder

Question 6

Ailerons trimming

Answer 6

Ailerons don’t usually require trimming

Question 7

Rudder trimming

Answer 7

The rudder of propeller aircraft often requires trimming

Rudder trimming also becomes important on multi-engine aircraft after engine failure

Question 8

Elevator trimming

Answer 8

Elevator trimming is required so frequently that aircraft types will have either a big mechanical elevator trim wheel which spins fore and aft or an electrical trim system operated by a switch on the control column