Pitch Trim Unit

[daleandee]

*

[N111YX]

My pre-takeoff trim check calls for the Dial to be adjusted to where the stick floats to about the 1/3 down position. While not exactly a precise technique no one's going to get hurt if the setting is incorrect... :)

[vwglenn]

My plane has an electric trim servo from Ray Allen. The problem for me is there is no way to see what position it's in from inside the plane. I asked the previous owner about that and he said he would just set it for take off while doing his preflight by eyeballing the position of the trim tab. Bought the Ray Allen LED indicator from Spruce ($100). Can't understand why the guy would spring for the servo but not the position indicator. I suppose you only really need it for takeoff (if that) but I like the idea of being able to see it from inside the cabin. My concerns with the electric trim is if the elevator can overcome the trim if the servo goes nuts or takes a crap.

[GordonTurner]

That is a hugely important concern. Perhaps you should consider very slowly and at a reasonably high altitude testing trim settings incrementally and at both high and low airspeeds to ensure the plane is fully controllable all the way from full up to full down. If it is, then you can have confidence. If not, at least you will know and you'll have to figure out how you would prefer to address it.

Good luck......Gordon

[kmacht]

I have found trim almost completely unneeded on my sonex. The only time I use it is once at altitude if I am going to be cruising around for a while. For pattern work I don't touch it al all. The stick forces are so light that you don't really notice if the plane is in or out of trim when doing pattern work. The bottom line is that both systems work well. Choose whichever one fits your panel and personal preference. Once flying you won't even remember to care which one you chose because you will be having too much fun.

Keith
#554

[fastj22]

I have found on my Waiex that max trim in either direction can be easily overcome with stick pressure. (Spring system)
So on take off, I'm usually at whatever my landing trim was and shortly after lift off, trim to relieve the stick pressure.