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2 Answers

How does one efficiently fine-trim a Cirrus?

Asked by: 1986 views
General Aviation

I'm transitioning to an SR22 and loving it.  However, I just can't seem to make fine adjustments to the elevator & rudder trims.  No matter how briefly I "flick" that button on the sidestick, I seem to overshoot and end up oscillating.  Yet, the autopilot seems to get it just right.  What's the trick?

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2 Answers



  1. KDS on Nov 24, 2021

    In some cases, where a system has an electric control, you can get really close, but not quite on it. Just a little bump is too much. So try backing it out a bit (going the “wrong” way) and then come back trying to hit the sweet spot.

    Plan B is handing it over to the autopilot, let George do the work, and then take it back.

    Plan C is don’t worry about it. If you are that close, just leaning your hand against it is no stress. Sort of like how you keep your hand on the steering wheel even when the car is tracking straight. You just use tiny pressures.

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  2. Brian on Dec 12, 2021

    Make a tiny throttle adjustment.

    Folks always seem to miss the interchangeable relationship between pitch trim and throttle trim. Fun exercise (in a cirrus or any aircraft): on climb out trim for Vy at max power. For the rest of the pattern all the way till landing use the throttle to achieve a level downwind and later decent to landing. It will alter your normal approach speed, but should remain within tolerances. And it’s fun to learn new things!

    Safe flying.

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