Is it true that the wrong pitch trim setting (for cruise angle-of-attack) can cost you a lot of fuel and time if you dont set it right?
I've been trying to fly my Learjet-45 from Lagos,Nigeria to Khartoum, Sudan in 3-hours...but it keeps taking me longer (4+hours). I've even tried setting my pitch for an AoA of 2-degrees. I think anything less than that is asking for trouble (inabiltiy for auto-alititude to "hold" properly).
2006-09-14 02:55:55 · 6 answers · asked by Fulani Filot 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
At a constant altitude the pitch trim will be determined by the thrust level and the resulting indicated airspeed. In the typical speed range of your plane a slower speed will give more range unless there is a strong headwind.
The altitude hold function of the auto pilot should maintain altitude by adjusting the stabilizer trim, thus taking control of that function from you to maintain altitude. Then the only way you can influence the pitch trim is to change the thrust level.
2006-09-14 03:39:58 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To fly faster, try a higher altitude and higher power setting. Reducing drag is great, but it won't help you gain speed as much as more power. Also there is less parasite drag at higher altitudes (but because of less air there can be more induced drag). If you can run your engines flat out against less airflow, you should be able to pick up speed.
If you are already flat out, try aft C of G and play with different altitudes and climb/descent profiles to find your best time point to point.
Also hammer on those controllers to keep you high for a last minute dive and drive (not so steep that you have to use spoilers) and go for the straight in!
2006-09-14 22:42:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best load for the fastest cruise flight is a rearward CG..if you can trim for the lowest AOA, yes its' beneficial..so..think about what a rearward CG does..the airplane has to then fly at a lower angle of attack to maintain level..so yes..techincally speaking, induced drag is reduced...with a lear jet, althought i'm not privy with exact numbers and design factors...it shouldn't be too much of an apprecable difference in cruise speed
just catch that kickin tailwind brotha!
2006-09-14 17:47:13 · answer #3 · answered by andy171773 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unclear how you can maintain a proper altitude with the pitch trim screwed up. If you choose your power setting (for best fuel economy, maximum speed, or whatever), then there is exactly one pitch trim setting which will maintain your desired altitude at that power.
2006-09-14 13:04:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Air Force taught us to fly fighters by reference to the angle of attack indicator. Does your poa give any reference numbers for best cruise, etc? With the variable geometry of my 111's wing, the AofA was especially helpful.
2006-09-15 00:45:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything that adds drag is going to slow you down and increase fuel burn, of course. Having an out-of-trim condition is going to add drag.
2006-09-14 10:32:04 · answer #6 · answered by SShenold 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋