Pitch trim - big problems

[Huge]

Firstly
1) yes I know what the trim buttons are, no I don't use any fancy gadgets or whatever, just the two default buttons
2) I have all patches and acceleration
3) my computer is a year old
4) This is a RANDOM event, ie it doesn't happen all the time.

Ok, the problem is, the pitch trim is currently doing what the hell it feels like, no matter WHAT I do. It's currently forcing me into a steep (90degree!) climb, and even when I keep my finger pressed on the trim down, it shoots back up again as soon as I let go.
I restarted the game, the flight, the computer, everything. Nothing has worked.

It's driving me completely insane.

[Fozzer]

Firstly
1) yes I know what the trim buttons are, no I don't use any fancy gadgets or whatever, just the two default buttons
2) I have all patches and acceleration
3) my computer is a year old
4) This is a RANDOM event, ie it doesn't happen all the time.

Ok, the problem is, the pitch trim is currently doing what the hell it feels like, no matter WHAT I do. It's currently forcing me into a steep (90degree!) climb, and even when I keep my finger pressed on the trim down, it shoots back up again as soon as I let go.
I restarted the game, the flight, the computer, everything. Nothing has worked.

It's driving me completely insane.

Check:
Have you got "Autopilot" switched on, on your Radios?
(That will take over control from you!).

Paul.... 8-)...!

[Huge]

Well obviously I have the alt AP off otherwise it wouldn't go completely vertical. I have speed and nav hold on.

[FSX_Dude]

Turn the ALT button on/off a couple times you should get control.

[Fozzer]

Switch ALL the Autopilot buttons on the Radio OFF...

....then quickly re-trim the aircraft, and select your heading and altitude...

(Then...if you wish, switch the Autopilot back on again).

Its easy to forget the Radio settings!... ...!

Paul.... 8-)...!

[1olehippy]

What aircraft is giving you fits?

[Ang2dogs]

I'm not a real pilot at all just a good ol simpilot, any real pilots out there, correct me if I'm wrong.
But I'm pretty sure (from what I've learned) in real life a pilot doesn't activate the AP untill:

The aircraft is in a positive rate of climb, and trimmed for such. The aircraft is on the right heading, and all systems are confirimed working via

[Fozzer]

You have covered it perfectly, Ang!... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

eg:
Before take-off, ensure that the Autopilot is switched off, and the Trim Wheel is correctly set for; "Take off"...
...generally with the indicator just below centre. (Slight nose-up).

Well done!

Paul... 8-)...!

[Ang2dogs]

eg:
Before take-off, ensure that the Autopilot is switched off, and the Trim Wheel is correctly set for; "Take off"...
...generally with the indicator just below centre. [glow=yellow,2,300](Slight nose-up).[/glow]
Well done!

Paul... 8-)...!

Thank-you for the complement Paul, and what you say about setting the trim before take off with a Slight nose-up attitude is what I should have also said, so I'm glad you mentioned it. You know, people can knock FSX and MS all they want, but for such a sophisticated piece of software they got a lot of things right, so not to get off the subject. What they got right in this instance is that you have to manage the weight of the aircraft. Take the DC3, empty slight pitch up attitude set on the trim, and at VR she'll jump right off. Load her up and give her a bit more pitch up on the trim, and she'll take off a bit more slowly at rotation and start to climb at a little less attitude.
Every plane is different and any good pilot (real or just a simmer) should know that setting that trim correctly before take off comes with experience and knowledge of the aircrft you are going to pilot. This flight simulator has a good learning center, but It's not like going to a real flight school were a real person can teach you the nuances of flight. And this is why I like it here at the V, you can learn alot here.

[Fozzer]

Most days, I fire up my trusty little Cessna 150 Aerobat to go exploring, weather permitting!

I spend some time, after my pre-flights checks; Fuel tanks, Oil level; hinges on the Ailerons, Flaps, Elevator, and Rudder; kick the Tires Tyres a few times, (as you do); wipe the dead flies off the propeller; then proceed to the cockpit...
..and run through the check list.

Apply the hand brake (VERY important!), switch Battery and Alternator and Radio switches on. Select rich mixture, throttle slightly cracked, switch on the Beacon lights (as a warning to others!), shout "Clear Prop", (always fun for others in the room!), turn the key to start the engine.
Warm the motor up at a fast tick-over, check the oil temp and pressure, (cowl flaps closed). Check operation of the Carb Heat at fast tick-over.
Check full operation of all the flying surfaces.
Contact Tower.
When on the runway, check correct Trim, Autopilot switched off, line up, SLOWLY open the throttle, check airspeed, maintain direction, slight back pressure on the stick/yoke when reaching take-off speed...
..then let her fly on her own!

Big cheer!... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

Wonderful stuff!

Paul...FS 2004 + FS Navigator and a baby Cessna!... ...!


P.S. Its a Flight Sim...and its all in the mind, you know!... ... ...!

P.P.S..You blokes with big, commercial, aluminium, passenger, cigar tubes, may have more additional problems to contend with?... ...!

[Mr._Ryan]

Most days, I fire up my trusty little Cessna 150 Aerobat to go exploring, weather permitting!

I spend some time, after my pre-flights checks; Fuel tanks, Oil level; hinges on the Ailerons, Flaps, Elevator, and Rudder; kick the Tires Tyres a few times, (as you do); wipe the dead flies off the propeller; then proceed to the cockpit...
..and run through the check list.

Apply the hand brake (VERY important!), switch Battery and Alternator and Radio switches on. Select rich mixture, throttle slightly cracked, switch on the Beacon lights (as a warning to others!), shout "Clear Prop", (always fun for others in the room!), turn the key to start the engine.
Warm the motor up at a fast tick-over, check the oil temp and pressure, (cowl flaps closed). Check operation of the Carb Heat at fast tick-over.
Check full operation of all the flying surfaces.
Contact Tower.
When on the runway, check correct Trim, Autopilot switched off, line up, SLOWLY open the throttle, check airspeed, maintain direction, slight back pressure on the stick/yoke when reaching take-off speed...
..then let her fly on her own!

Big cheer!... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

Wonderful stuff!

Paul...FS 2004 + FS Navigator and a baby Cessna!... ...!


P.S. Its a Flight Sim...and its all in the mind, you know!... ... ...!

P.P.S..You blokes with big, commercial, aluminium, passenger, cigar tubes, may have more additional problems to contend with?... ...!

I'm so with you, Paul. I used to fly "heavy metal" in FSX, then I realized all I'm doing is staring at screens and turning knobs. When I started my (real-life) flight training a year ago I decided to get everything I could out of FSX to help me; I used it to learn VOR navigation, to fly by instruments, practice traffic patterns, etc. Solo'd at 15 hours and I'll have my license at 40.

To each his own, but it's funny watching people try and handle 747's who couldn't handle your 152 or my Cherokee 180 to save their lives. Just sayin'. 

[Fozzer]

Its a funny old do...
..but I go through the whole check-list rigmarole each time I wheel one of my favourite steeds out of the hangar.... ...!

It served me in good stead when I took my first Trial Flight in the Club's Cessna 152 a number of years ago...
...after being in the air for some time, the CFI turned to me and said, with a big grin...

...."You've done this before, haven't you?"

I did admit that I have been using Microsoft's Flight Simulator, every day for a number of years, for constant practice..and perfection... ...!

He was highly impressed with my performance throughout the whole flight....
..and presented me with my; "First Trial Flight Certificate", which proudly hangs on my wall.... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

So there you go... The MS Flight Sim does have its place in the real flying world!... 8-)...!

Paul...G-BPLF...Over and Out... ...!

[Huge]

Yeah turning off everything to do with autopilot worked, thanks. I lol'd at the image of some guy sitting in his basement at the computer and shouting "clear prop"....

[Fozzer]

I lol'd at the image of some guy sitting in his basement at the computer and shouting "clear prop"....

Remember, it could save the life of your wife as she approaches you with a cup of tea and a plate of biscuits, whilst you start your imaginary engine... ...!

Paul... ... ...!