Stabilator Trim Tab Setting for Takeoff

Catbird · #1 05-07-2012, 08:48 AM

As first flight of N562E approaches within the next few weeks, I'm becoming more curious about the stabilator trim tab. I'll calibrate the trim tab in Skyview tonight along with setting the potentiometer to 27 seconds for full stroke, but haven't found any information specific to the trim tab setting for takeoff. The POH simply states, "Trim - SET for takeoff." The PAP seems to be silent on trim tab setting for takeoff.

Can anyone who has been flying his or her RV-12 provide some information on where the trim tab should be for takeoff? Should I just set it at the center of stroke go with it?

Hal-san · #2 05-07-2012, 09:04 AM

Do a search for 'trim setting' and follow Marty Santic's post #4. It should get you very close to what you need. This is for D180 but I think the Skyview should be same.

MartySantic · #3 05-07-2012, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hal-san

Do a search for 'trim setting' and follow Marty Santic's post #4. It should get you very close to what you need. This is for D180 but I think the Skyview should be same.

Yes, for the D-180. Takeoff setting (Green line 1/3 the way down in the lower half of the bar. The lower half of the bar being that portion of the bar below its midpoint).

Ensure you followed the entire calibration procedure. And double check the indicator is moving the correct direction when commanding full up trim and full down trim. (If miswired, the indicator could move in the wrong direction). A mis-calibrated trim indicator was a contributing cause to a RV-12 mishap.

Mich48041 · #4 05-07-2012, 01:21 PM

It is better to have too much nose down trim rather than too much nose up trim on the first flight. And it is better to require a little more force to lift the nose wheel rather than to have the airplane jump into the sky unexpectedly and stall. That happened to one RV-12 on its first flight and resulted in a damaged airplane. After a few takeoffs, you will find the setting that is best for you.
It might be possible to takeoff and land no matter what the trim setting. But nobody wants to fight the controls, especially on the first flight. Error on the side of nose down.
Joe Gores

Catbird · #5 05-08-2012, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the valuable information. I really appreciate your advice on this.

rjtjrt · #6 11-10-2015, 06:59 PM

What is the trim position indication on G3X Touch to set for takeoff, in G3X Touch equiped RV-12 aircraft?

RFSchaller · #7 11-10-2015, 07:36 PM

I have a D180. I just set mine at mid travel on the first flight and after several flights zeroed in on a slightly nose down trim as best suiting my technique. My recommendation would be to do this with your G3X and find the setting you like.

Bill_H · #8 11-10-2015, 09:46 PM

Your answer, with picture, is here. http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...2&postcount=22

Stick full aft, adjust the trim tab for this measurement. That is then what you set as the takeoff position on the Skyview as part of trim calibration.

rjtjrt · #9 11-10-2015, 11:51 PM

Bill and Rich
Thanks for the info.
John

Rick_A · #10 11-11-2015, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjtjrt

What is the trim position indication on G3X Touch to set for takeoff, in G3X Touch equiped RV-12 aircraft?

If you haven't done the trim calibration routine, do that first. It is very easy.

There is a small green tick mark on the trim indicator (lower left side of display). I have found that the trim needs to be set below the tick mark.

I usually take off with flaps fully retracted and the trim set so the point of the little triangle is a bit below the tick but the upper point of the triangle pointer is still above the center tick mark. I usually have to add down trim as I get to about 80 knots on climb out.

I'll take a picture and post it tonight.