Scale on top of control column

[Richard McDonald Woods]

On the top of the real world control column is a numbered scale. What is it and how is it used?

[G-CIVA]

The plate embossed onto the top of each control column is an Aileron Trim Indicator & it indicates units of aileron trim.

'AILERON TRIM' is written at the top of the plate - not replicated on any of the current FS offerings.

[Walter Kranl]

... not replicated on anyy of the current FS offerings.

Not sure, but I think the PMDG planes have it.
In PSX, the aileron trim scale is represented by a popup.
http://aerowinx.de/forum/topic.php?id=425

Walter

[G-CIVA]

Not sure, but I think the PMDG planes have it.

My bad...just checked the VC & while the Trim Scale is there the 'AILERON Trim' wording is not...& the TOGA Switches are on the rear of #'s 2 & 3 Throttle too  :roll:

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

When you or the A/P turn the yoke left or right to control the ailerons, the pointer will move over the static scale. Although not very accurate this does give you sufficient positional feedback to hold, say, two units left-wing-down trim during crosswind takeoff until the controls become effective and you can switch to visual/instrument flying as usual.


Jeroen

[Richard McDonald Woods]

Many thanks, gentlemen.

[Blake H]

On the -400 if you aileron trim all the way right or left. How far does it go on the scale?

[John H Watson]

Tests in the maintenance manual portray a very vague trim system. Max trim is 45~50 degrees, but the trim actuator is so weak, it requires manual assistance to get it to this angle (where it  should hold). Another test requires you to trim the aileron as far as it will go and then manually turn the wheel to 85 degrees and release it. It should spring back to 30~50 degrees.


(EDIT) On recent tests, the trim goes to 4.5~5 units on the scale without assistance, but the the manual says anything beyond 20 degrees may require assistance. The pilots should test to 6 units during post-maintenance flight control checks

Rgds
JHW

[Blake H]

Interesting. Will PSX have this feature? On my control column the trim system gives me 4 units, is this good enough for engine failures? I am using a linear actuator linked to 2 spring that push/pull (displace) the aileron cable linkage. Works very well also doubles as force feedback.

[Hardy Heinlin]

Will PSX have this feature?

You mean the fact that manual assistance is required?

I have this on my plan. However, this feature will work only when the aileron trim is activated by mouse or external hardware. If it is activated by keys on the PC keyboard, the simulation assumes manual assistance is already applied (no finger gymnastics required).

Edit: Now I remember ... this feature is something that cannot be automatically activated by watching the input sources mouse, keyboard, hardware. A notebook user working with the mouse would hate it if he/she can't move the trim to the max with the mouse alone. So, it should be activated with a checkbox on PSX's Preferences page. But I have no room anymore for another checkbox. So, whether the feature will be included in PS10 or not, is not guaranteed yet. By the way, for engine-out scenarios you should primarily work with rudder trim, not aileron trim.

Aileron trim is included in PSX, of course.

[Blake H]

A friend flies a Emirates 777. He quoted that he has never used the aileron trim even in the sim. Could it be for a large fuel imbalance then or just certification.

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

Or for aircraft-specific finetuning during long boring flights. Fiddling with all trims until everything zeroes out on the PFD. I've seen it happening (not during Worldflight :mrgreen: ).


Jeroen