Thu Aug 01, 2019 4:38 pm
#1709826
Flying a number of different aircraft, I have noticed that there appears to be no standardisation in a/c checklists - as to whether the electric trim (and / or autopilot) should be selected off - or on for takeoff and landing. (but particularly takeoff)?
This all started when I queried a student for trying to take off with the electric trim on - until he showed me the club checklist - that said "Elect Trim - A/R"
Since then I've been looking more carefully at the different checklists - and I've found different checklists that say "electric trim off", "electric trim on" and "electric trim A/R" prior to takeoff.
Maybe its an old fashioned thing (emphasis on "Old") - but I was always taught that in light GA aircraft, - and in all single pilot operations, that both electric trim (and autopilot) should be off for takeoff - and when below 300ft on landing. The rationale being that you would probably not be able to retain control of the aircraft in the event of a "pitch runaway" problem.
Are newer systems that fail safe that they can safely be left on? I think not.
(please - no one mention the 737Maxx - that's a whole different discussion).
This all started when I queried a student for trying to take off with the electric trim on - until he showed me the club checklist - that said "Elect Trim - A/R"
Since then I've been looking more carefully at the different checklists - and I've found different checklists that say "electric trim off", "electric trim on" and "electric trim A/R" prior to takeoff.
Maybe its an old fashioned thing (emphasis on "Old") - but I was always taught that in light GA aircraft, - and in all single pilot operations, that both electric trim (and autopilot) should be off for takeoff - and when below 300ft on landing. The rationale being that you would probably not be able to retain control of the aircraft in the event of a "pitch runaway" problem.
Are newer systems that fail safe that they can safely be left on? I think not.
(please - no one mention the 737Maxx - that's a whole different discussion).