Rudder and Trim
Big Idea
The rudder pedals control yaw (nose left/right). Trim takes the pressure off your hands.
Fun Fact
Trim is like cruise control for the airplane — it holds the nose where you want it so your arms do not get tired.
What You Will Learn
- Press left rudder pedal — nose yaws left
- Press right rudder pedal — nose yaws right
- Use the trim wheel to relieve control pressure
- Fly a gentle turn using all three controls together
Simulator Steps
- In flight at 4,000 feet, press the left rudder pedal — watch the nose swing left
- Press the right rudder pedal — nose swings right
- Find the trim wheel and roll it — watch the nose move slightly
- Fly straight and level, then trim so you can let go of the yoke briefly
- Make a gentle left turn using yoke AND rudder together
What You Learned
- Rudder pedals turn the nose left and right (yaw)
- Trim holds the nose position so you do not have to pull or push constantly
- Good pilots use all three controls together