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Discuss Level Headed - Aviation Podcast #11

Leveling out?

Pitch, trim, power, or pitch, power, then trim

I have to say I was trained to do this a bit differently. I fallow the pitch, power, then trim method. This seems to work for me. After hearing this podcast, some time ago, I tried Jason's method a few times in solo flight. I found my self chasing the trim and it took allot longer to get to a trimmed level flight.

Back then I emailed Jason about it and I think we decided it really comes down to how you learned. I am sure that if I learned Jason's way at the start I would be able to level out just as fast with his method as I do with my CFI's.

So is it personal preference? Is one way better then the other? Maybe, maybe not. Jason is a successful CFI and has trained many in this leveling method, as is my CFI. So I think this is one of those things that may be able to be preformed a few different ways. It just comes down to how you were trained and what you preform. As long as the end result is the same, trimmed level flight.

Jason, thanks for the great podcasts and great website. It sure is helping this student pilot.

-Student Pilot Will

Hi Will,

Thanks for the comments ...

I thiink there is an old eskimo saying that says

"there is never only one way to build an igloo"

... or if there isn't, there should be

thank YOU for listening.

Jason

_________________
"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net

Well Jason I will continue to listen that is for sure.

I did have a question. The other day I was leveling out is moderate turbulence and was having troubles. Is there a trick to doing this when in turbulence? I assume there really isn't other than just do you best, but it is hard to do when the plane is bouncing around. Any thoughts?

Thanks
-Student Pilot Will

_________________
Learning to fly is a lifelong project. Every time you start the engine or hook up a tow line you begin a lesson.

pilotwill@sbcglobal.net
http://web.mac.com/pilotwill/Site/Home.html
http://pilotwill.libsyn.com/

Hi Will...
Turbulence definitely adds a little challenge to the trim exercise however, again you are just trying to trim for a sight picture.... Being bumped around will just make you check back on your settings more often. If you see an overall trend of climbing/descending then, yes, adjust. Don't be concerned with small or temporary fluctuations. In turbulence this is bound to happen, just maintain the sight picture you want and continually check your overall performance. It keeps you on your toes.

anais

Since power settings affect trim I think setting the trim after power is more likely to yeild the closest. Actually, my sequence is usually more like:

1. Pitch
2. Flaps to -7deg. Maules have this setting and it gives a slightly higher cruise speed.
2. Adjust power and prop.
3. Adjust trim.
4. Lean for cruise. This takes about a minute.
5. Adjust trim.

I also find that trim may have to be periodically adjusted. I think this relates to flying through rising or descending air masses and I encounter this more often flying over southern Utah were solar heating would cause more vertical movement of the air. I'll find that I have to pitch nose up to maintain altitude and am not flying as fast. Then, 10 minutes later I'm piting the nose down and flying faster... Occasually, in nice stable air, I can set the trim and leave it. Usually there are minor tweaks.

_________________
Tom
Maule M7-235

Yeah, not sure I'm with you on this one Jason. Pitch Power Trim. Although your point is well taken, I often find myself reaching for the trim wheel before my speed has had a chance to settle. I then find myself going back to the trim once the plane has decided on it's speed. More conscious of this after listening to you podcast.

Wouldn't it be better to find a way to encourage pilots to let the airspeed settle before leaping for the trim? Pitch Trim Power just seems outta wack!

_________________
Dave

http://tragicflyer.blog.com/