Trim actuator cable

[N981MS]

While I was building I had an award winning builder suggested I not bother putting it in stating his was either nonfunctioning or unreliable. I did not put it in. Here is the logic.

You only really need to visually know where the trim is before takeoff. I turnaround and look. Therefore I KNOW where it is trimmed. I am not depending on a mechanical device which obviously can fail. If it can fail how much do you trust it? Will you feel the need to look back and check anyway? If you do, you did not need the device in the first place. Once flying you let stick pressure be your guide.

As a caveat, as I get older turning around to look is not quite as easy as it used to be. I still would not put it in.

If you can't get yours lubed and working - take it out.

[jiott]

Here's what I do since I did not put in a trim indicator:
After I have landed, or part of the checklist before takeoff, I run the trim to full nose down (you can tell by watching the stick with your hands off-it moves slowly then stops). Then I push nose up trim and count to two (one thousand one, one thousand two). This puts the trim in perfect takeoff position without looking. Works for me.

[phintz]

Good info I may do that!!! Thanks of course when in the air I adjust according to stick pressure!

Patrick series 6

[Maverick]

So, is the consensus to not put in the trim indicator? I did not put it in my first KF5 but, I thought I might do that this time. However, I did not miss it in the first plane and in looking in the S7 build manual, I do not find a reference to it. Does Kitfox even address this in the newer kits?

[Esser]

It’s an option that I did not order.

[mr bill]

It is nice to have them just before takeoff.

[PapuaPilot]

If you are going to install a digital panel the KF factory sells a sensor kit so you can show the trim position on the screen. I put the cable trim indicator in my plane during my build and upgraded to the potentiometer that displays on my screen.

Personally I want an indicator and would not wan't to be without it.