aileron trim vs. rudder trim

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Zacke
Staff Sergeant
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Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

aileron trim vs. rudder trim

Post by Zacke »

Hey guys,

I fly they C model exclusively and I wonder when to use aileron trim or when to use rudder trim. The more simple models like the Spitfire, Skylane and Cherokee (etc.) only have rudder trim and are absolutely fine with that. Therefore so far I use only rudder trim with the P40C to counteract the (torque) roll tendency in flight. But maybe it's more effective/more common to use instead the installed aileron trim?

Thanks in advance,
Zacke

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Jacques
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Joined: 26 Jun 2011, 17:54
Location: West Coast, USA

Re: aileron trim vs. rudder trim

Post by Jacques »

Aileron trim would be used to balance out any wing weight differences causing a persistent bank tendency towards the heavier wing. So a fuel imbalance in wing tanks, having ordinance stuck on one wing or damage of some type to one wing which disrupts air flow over that wing… a partially hanging landing gear, you would use aileron trim to balance the wings. Maybe there is some other use….?

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DHenriques_
A2A Chief Pilot
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Joined: 27 Mar 2009, 08:31
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Re: aileron trim vs. rudder trim

Post by DHenriques_ »

Jacques wrote: 12 Mar 2022, 12:42 Aileron trim would be used to balance out any wing weight differences causing a persistent bank tendency towards the heavier wing. So a fuel imbalance in wing tanks, having ordinance stuck on one wing or damage of some type to one wing which disrupts air flow over that wing… a partially hanging landing gear, you would use aileron trim to balance the wings. Maybe there is some other use….?
That's a good explanation.
For pitch trim, just consider that as a neutralizer for any change in power or configuration, or it could be used for fuel imbalance if you happen to be flying a plane with a fuselage tank either in front or behind the center of gravity.
For pitch trim the correct sequence to use it is nose, power, trim. You place the nose where you want it to be...........adjust the power to where you want it..........then trim off any yoke or stick pressure you are feeling.

Dudley Henriques

Zacke
Staff Sergeant
Posts: 381
Joined: 27 Sep 2018, 08:18
Location: EDNY

Re: aileron trim vs. rudder trim

Post by Zacke »

Thanks a lot for your input!

Regards,
Zacke

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