Trimming on first flight
 

I was trying to figure out how to tell wether to adjust the rudder or ailerons when, after take off, you get a non radio input turn on the first flight. I was thinking if it taxied straight on take off, the rudder must be OK. Then if it turns or banks a bit in flight, it must be the ailerons. Am I thinking right?
Jerry bohn

RE: Trimming on first flight
 

Becase the airplane taxi's straight on the ground has little to do with rudder trim in flight. Nose wheels are seldomly accurately set along with other problems. Generally though this is not the one most have trouble with on first flights, It is either pitch trim (elevator) or roll trim (aileron) that can be exciting on a first flight. Yes if airplane continues to Roll (dip a wing) in one direction you would trim that out on a test flight. If it wanted to dive without holding up elevator you would trim up into the elevator.

Watch TV while holding the Tx and if you are flying mode 11 practice finding both the elevator and aileron trims with your left thumb without looking. Never look at the Tx in flight to find a trim lever.

If you do not already have some flight experiance. Don,t do a test fly yourself, Get help.

John

RE: Trimming on first flight
 

While you're on the ground, check the rudder and nose wheel visually and get them as straight as you can. Then take the plane up and trim it for straight and level flight using the aileron and elevator trims. Then, take the plane through an easy, big loop and watch what it does. If it 'slides' to one side during the loop, then the rudder is slightly out of trim. Adjust the rudder trim and then re-trim the ailerons for level flight again.

Always adjust your rudder trim for straight flight, not for ground rolling. Or else the rudder will kick in just as you lift off for a real surprise. [8D]