Do you use your Trim Indicator?

[lr172]

I have the Ray Allen LED Trim indicator for Ele trim and have cut a hole for it on the panel. I also planned to run this into my D120 for trim indication. I just learned that I can't have both. The EFIS is not as convenient to read as the LED indicator next to the switch, but it is convenient via integration.

My question is, does anybody look at the trim indicator at any time other than setting Take Off trim position? I don't think that I ever looked at the needle on the dial on the 182.

Larry

[Mike S]

Larry, as you do, only to preset it for take off.

I could very easily get by with a simple on/off indicator light if it would let me know when I am in the TO position.

[PerfTech]

... I do look at mine regularly in my 9-A. I look to set take-off trim, in landing on final to verify it is all in etc. I have flown my plane so much that I know exactly the indicator position for each desired speed and tend to preset that in. I have also re-engineered the travel on my trim tab, as stock, it was far to sensitive or fast, and had approximately double the desired useable travel. To me it would be more difficult flying without the indicator installed Thanks, Allan...

[Walt]

No indicator here and don't miss it.

[Low Pass]

Only the elevator trim, and I use that indicator pre-takeoff to show where I cycle the trim up and down 20-30%. Oddly, mine will sometimes not function in the up direction with a load. Last year or so, I exercise it before flight. Now not an issue.

[Raymo]

My Cherokee 140 has an old hand crank in the ceiling. Set prior to takeoff and everything else is to reduce pressure on the yoke.

I would expect the same on the RV7A I am building. Knowing I can display it in the EFIS would probably be enough for me. Will have to think about that when I get to the panel later this year.

[Paul K]

Fly strictly by feel with the only exception a quick glance before takeoff. Interesting how I takeoff with the same pitch trim setting as landing but always center aileron trim to neutral before takeoff. Finally, I can see the pitch trim tab in my rear view mirror.

[Neal@F14]

I use mine to set takeoff trim, and also look at it on final just to see how much more nose up trim there is over the takeoff trim position... I guess this is due to the need for more nose-up trim to counter the downward pitch effect of full flaps while coming down final. I also have aileron trim in my plane but haven't moved that since I first bought the plane nearly 3 years ago.

[N941WR]

I have manual trim, so I set it by feel prior to takeoff.

After that, it is just to reduce pressure or when the Dynon SkyView tells me to trim up or down when I have the AP engaged.

[JohnInReno]

I use mine to set take-off trim. The trim indicator was a big issue with the FSDO that gave me my airworthiness certificate.