When flying an aircraft, what is 'trim' used for?

Question

When flying an aircraft, what is 'trim' used for?

Answer 1

Trim is used to 'nuetralize' the pressure on the controls of the airplane.

1. Each aircraft will have a default nuetral configuration of its controls. When the pilot takes his hands off the aircraft controls in level flight having the correct trim settings will allow the airplane to continue its current attitude (level) without further input (although in practice, wind conditions will cause some variation in the aircrafts attitude). With less work to do, the pilot gets to rest his muscles.

2. Based on wieght, fuel and power/airspeed settings, the correct trim position to obtain this 'neutralization' can change significantly.

3. Trim use is not resricted to level flight configurations. It is also used to maintain climbing or descending attitudes, including during take-off and landings. Properly trimming the aircraft generally reduces the amount of physical effort required to control the aircraft.

Answer 2

Along with the first response, I'll add by saying a plane will handle differently many times. If the fuel load is different, or the baggage load is heavier, or the passenger load is lighter, what ever, the plane will handle differently under the varying circumstances. The trim tabs are small flaps that can compensate for variances. And make for an easier and better controlled flight.

Answer 3

To relieve control pressure. In other words so you don't have to apply so much back or forward pressure on the control wheel.

Answer 4

In my 150 I use it to stay on the "step"

Answer 5

I agree with the first two answers. Their answers would be a much easier concept to grasp if you are flying a real plane, and not just a computer simulator game.