Is there any difference between a "trim tab" and a "trim control"?

Question

Thanks.

Answer 1

A trim tab is a small airfoil that acts as a control surface on the trailing edge of the larger surface (elevator, rudder , or aileron) that needs to be positioned correctly. By using trim tabs, the elevator (for example) is held in position by aerodynamic forces on the small trim tab airfoil, so that cables / servos / hydraulics do not have to be constantly applying forces to the elevator and artificially canceling forces to the stick.

Trim control is the control mechanism that is actually used by the pilot to trim out the aircraft at the speed and altitude at which he is flying in order to prevent unnecessary fatigue and to make aircraft control easier. The secret to flying smoothly is the proper use of trim. Trim controls range from a simple wheel to a multi-directional electric thumb switch.

Answer 2

A trim tab is just one method to control trim. Movable stablizer is another or just spring loading the control itself. The concord even used to pump fuel for and aft for trim. That's best because you don't disturb the air.. Spendy though.

Answer 3

As it states one is for control and one is for trim. the major difference is the control tab moves in the opposite direction compared to the  flight control surface The trim tab can move in either direction compared to the flight control surface.

Answer 4

http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/pic96...

http://www.weekendcfii.com/photos/c172pr...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...

Answer 5

A simple way to put is: that trim control uses the trim wheel to control the trim tab.

Answer 6

the tab is the thing on the wing/rudder/elevator which adjusts, the control is the bit in the cabin the pilot moves to make the adjustment.