TRIM
Transitive Verb: to remove by cutting
to make trim and neat
to free of excess or extraneous matter
to embellish with ribbons, lace, or ornaments
to administer a beating (thrash)
to cause (a ship) to assume a desirable position in the water
to adjust (such as an airplane) for horizontal movement
Intransitive Verb: to maintain neutrality between two opposing parties
to change one's view for reasons of expediency
Adjective: exhibiting neatness, good order, or compactness of line or structure
slim and physically fit
ready for service
Noun: material used for ornament
the material in the finish of a building
the interior furnishings of an automobile
one's clothing or appearance
the attitude with respect to wind axes at which an airplane will continue
in level flight with free controls
There had to be a means to relieve some of this pilot's tension after we are in the air and the instructor says, "you have the controls." Of course, I must confirm, "I have the controls" and not "I have the controls?"
I started this Blog yesterday, expecting to spend time on the concept of Trim, but after today's 1.5 hour flying lesson I discovered a couple concepts that seem more important and should be mentioned beforehand.
1) What is the function of each instrument and what information is it providing me about the airplane's flight that specific time and place? i.e. What is happening - NOW!
2) When the airplane is not flying in a manner that I thought I was guiding it to do (according to the instrument information and what I am seeing on the horizon and below), how do I make proper adjustments (corrections) so that it does fly in a manner that I want it to?
3) When not flying in a manner that I thought I was guiding it to do, how much time do I have to remember (or figure out) the proper adjustments (corrections) to make so I can begin flying in the manner that I want?
4) Does the airplane need more or less throttle - gas (a: Do I push in for more gas or pull back? b: What will happen to the airplane when I push or pull the throttle)? Do I push forward or pull back on the yoke (wheel) to change the pitch -up or down (what will happen to the airplane when I do this)? Is that little black ball between the lines or do I push the right peddle or the left peddle (controlling rudder) to center it? Am I gaining altitude or loosing altitude? Am I at level flight, am I starting to turn? How do I make the proper adjustments to maintain altitude, level flight and the correct direction? How much time do I have to remember (or figure out) the proper adjustments before I am in deep dodo?
But wait, I can always turn to Chris (my instructor) in my state of panic and say "you have the controls....you have the controls." but, what happens when I am flying solo with no Chris to take the controls? .... deep dodo?
Ah yes, the learning curve. Remember those early downhill or x-country ski lessons, or beginning on roller or ice skates, perhaps that wobbly handlebar when you first rode that bike. Well, you weren't thousands of feet off the ground, but it seemed a long way down anyway.
The point: quit or master the skill. Actually, this applies to many life lessons - quit or master. One choice is limiting and the other empowering.
Trim? Think about it - "neatness", "good order", "fit", "ready for service", "nice appearance" and "continue in level flight free of controls" with regard to flying the airplane. Trimming the plane - adjusting the trim wheel - relieves the push or pull on the yoke (wheel) and allows the pilot to relax a little and enjoy the ride.
Just like life: if you are neat, fit and ready for service, you might be able to relax a little and enjoy the ride.
