Turning Tendencies

[Gabe777]

Are there any with the 172 ?

I am having a few issues with my new controllers so I am not sure if there is a left turning tendency which requires rudder trim input, as with most props.

Thnx for any advice

[Oracle427]

If it has a prop, it has turning tendencies. You will need to use right rudder particularly under high power settings, especially at low airspeed.

You will also find that you well need left rudder at low power settings due to the way is aircraft is rigged to counter the left turning tendencies with normal power settings.

[Gabe777]

Hi.

Thnx. So just rudder trim.... no need for aileron trim ?

Of course the RW aircraft doesn't have rudder trim does it ?

Makes us simmers lucky I guess...

[Oracle427]

Apply rudder pressure with your feet?

No, there is no aileron and rudder trim, and it wouldn't be necessary on a 172 when at normal cruise power settings. That does not mean that they can be flown hands free, quite the contrary! The idea is that it isn't going to roll over into its back add soon as you let go of the controls.

[Gabe777]

Yeah... far too much like hard work !

Rudders..... hmmm, om for taxiing but not in flight. My feet are up on the desk and I,m watching the golf !

[Oracle427]

No need to apply rudder input in cruise. It is important during all other phases. That would not be correct. If you want truly hands free flight, then the autopilot is ready willing and able.

[Gabe777]

But now you are contradicting yourself...

If there is a turning tendency, some rudder input is required if hand flying. Usually trim is applyed before roll out, and then rudder pedals used for coordinated turns.

Clearly this cannot be done in the RW as it doesn't have rudder trim like my do228 has. But sims let us cheat !

[Oracle427]

No I'm not. Turning tendencies vary based on power, attitude, airspeed, rigging. They are not constant.

You do not fly with your foot holding pressure on the rudder in cruise in a 172. That would be abnormal.

Trim is also applied after the airplane is in the property attitude, never before. You never fly with the trim. You use the controls to hold the plane in the correct position and then trim out forces.

[Hook]

The 172 has a small aluminum tab at the bottom of the rudder that is used to adjust rudder trim on the ground to trim it for normal flight. You can see the little triangle sticking out the bottom of the rudder in the A2A model. The last time I examined a real one closely it had some waviness near the rudder indicating that it had been adjusted many times.

Hook

[Gabe777]

If it has a prop, it has turning tendencies. You will need to use right rudder particularly under high power settings, especially at low airspeed.

You will also find that you well need left rudder at low power settings due to the way is aircraft is rigged to counter the left turning tendencies with normal power settings.

OK.
So that complicates it.... but thanks for the useful advice.
Will have to do some reading !

I also hear that taxiing is only done using differential braking whereas the Comanche has linkage between rudder and nose wheel.... ?!

Well buying these rudder pedals has given me a lot to think about.

[Oracle427]

The 172 nose wheel is linked to the rudder pedals using bungees. It will make most turns without braking, but you cab tighten the turn by using a little differential braking.

[Gabe777]

The 172 nose wheel is linked to the rudder pedals using bungees. It will make most turns without braking, but you cab tighten the turn by using a little differential braking.

Oh. I am reading stuff about pupils being encouraged to use diff braking in the 172.

So presumably its good to use a bit of both ?

Thnx again. Great input. You talk, I learn !

Good how these planes differ. I know the Comanche has a 40 degree noise wheel....

[Oracle427]

To the contrary, one should use as little braking as possible except when the turn must be tightened.

The brakes and tires on these planes are tiny, wear out fast and are expensive. On landing in a 172, you barely need brakes even on a 2100 foot runway if you take advantage of aerodynamic braking.

A quick tap on one side to initiate a sharp turn, or holding for run up are really the only times I use the things. I've seen way too many brand new tires flat spotted by unnecessary/incorrect use of brakes.