Rudder trim tab

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tomm
Airman
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Joined: 04 Jul 2008, 12:31

Rudder trim tab

Post by tomm »

I appears the tab is working backwards, (functions right,looks wrong)….just sayin'

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Nick - A2A
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Re: Rudder trim tab

Post by Nick - A2A »

Hello tomm,

The rudder trim tab should be deflecting in the opposite direction to the rudder itself. For example, if you trim right, the trim tab should deflect to the left.

If you're seeing something else, please can you let us know which host sim platform you're using so we can advise on how you can install the latest update.

Thanks,
Nick

tomm
Airman
Posts: 32
Joined: 04 Jul 2008, 12:31

Re: Rudder trim tab

Post by tomm »

Thanks Nick,
Would that be a difference between a tricycle and a tail dragger because I noticed the difference when I was flying the comanche?

tomm
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Posts: 32
Joined: 04 Jul 2008, 12:31

Re: Rudder trim tab

Post by tomm »

Hey Nick, sorry. I should have done a little research into the physics of the rudder trim first. They must have left enough play in the main rudder to allow the trim tab to force the rudder over to the direction of the correction. Thanks again and that's to google (my second brain).

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Oracle427
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Re: Rudder trim tab

Post by Oracle427 »

The trim doesn't act on "play" on the rudder control system. The trim tab aerodynamically forces the rudder over in the trimmed direction and moves the rudder pedals in the cockpit accordingly. The effect of the trim tab is dependent on airflow, so it will have very little effect at low airspeeds or while taxiing on the ground.

When a pilot sets trim, they can feel the effect through the controls through their hands or their feet. What you do is trim away whatever force you are applying to the control to keep the aircraft in the desired attitude.

Now not every light airplane works this way. For example, the Super Cub using springs to offset the center position of the elevator instead of using a trim tab to move the elevator itself. This is obvious when you look at the elevator when the aircraft is sitting on the ramp at rest with no one inside. The elevator is not hanging down against its low stop because the centering springs are holding it in the set neutral position.
Flight Simmer since 1983. PP ASEL IR Tailwheel
N28021 1979 Super Viking 17-30A

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Nick - A2A
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Re: Rudder trim tab

Post by Nick - A2A »

Hi tomm,

Yeah, the rudder (and stabilator) trim system on the Comanche is significantly different to the system used on the T-6. There's no rudder trim tab on the PA-24, so instead the trim system operates by directly deflecting the rudder itself. I'm not sure of the details, but it's basically a different design and engineering choice, and nothing to do with a tricycle vs. tail wheel configuration. You'll find plenty of nose-draggers with the same rudder trim system as the T-6 (for example, see the default Baron 58 in FSX/P3D).

Cheers,
Nick

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