	AllExperts > Aviation/Flying
	Search

About Paul Ruderham
Expertise
I have been studying aviation for over twenty years. I know about the function of airlines, how aeroplanes fly, aviation accidents and why they happen. I am also an accomplished model aeroplane pilot, and a flight simulator expert. I have flown chipmunks and light aircraft.

Experience
Hands on experience working at the airport, plus many hours of studying airlines and different types of aeroplanes.

Organizations
Jersey model aero club

You are here: Experts > Shopping > Air Travel > Aviation/Flying > trim

Aviation/Flying - trim

Expert: Paul Ruderham - 11/2/2009

Question
what is "center the trim" on this clip mean?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuQ3UBZOh2c&feature=PlayList&p=BB5BB9DD08D82840&p...

Answer

Hi Again,

In the old analogue cockpits, (looks like this might have been a dc8) the trim was done manually. This trims the aircraft (like a fine tuning) to fly straight and level. They might have had it just set off the level to aid them so they had to set it to the neutral position to allow the aircraft to have perfect balance on landing otherwise the pilot would have been pushing or pulling on the controls depending on the trim to land the aircraft.

If the aircaft is perfectly trimmed it should fly hands off straight and level.

Today all this is done automatically with the autopilot.

Hope this helps

Regards
Paul

Add to this Answer Ask a Question