Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Trim Use Correct use of the trim requires that control pressures be applied to hold the desired flight attitude. Then the trim is adjusted to relieve present control pressures. Some initial change in trim should always be made since it reduces drag. If the aircraft is in an accelerating or decelerating mode anticipatory trim changes may be desired. Proper trim is a necessary part of flying from both operational and safety standpoints. The skill of the pilot is proportional to ability to trim. Being able to trim the aircraft for any attitude requires that the pilot adjust the amount of download on the horizontal tail surfaces. It is this downwload that overcomes the nose weight of an aircraft. Download is 'lift' of the tail surfaces directed opposite to the lift of the wing. Refer to the Flight Training Handbook, AC 61-21 Page 277. The important thing in using trim is always to be able to keep track of where it is. This is the reason I urge you to use a finger tip rather than a pinch. The fuel/pilots location in the c-150/152 are so near the CG that the trim movement will be rather constant. Any variation will be corrected if everything is predicated on beginning at a constant. The constant that I use has always been: Level cruise at 2400 rpm and hands off. This constant works just a well if using C-172 or C-182. The presence of a rear-seat passenger will be corrected for using this constant. Pipers trim differently. Flaps change pitch attitude significantly but require very little trim adjustment. As you know the indicator markings are often illegible or not calibrated. A slipping trim cable is a frequent problem. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM