PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesFLIGHT DYNAMICS
Trim & control balance
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
A balanced condition that requires no continuing change in the selected flight state.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
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Source editions
PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight ↗Edition / snapshot: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023Retrieved: 2026-09-05
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
Aerodynamic forces and moments are balanced for the relevant motion. Trim devices or stabilizer changes can reduce sustained control effort.
02
Aircraft response
A change in speed, thrust, configuration or loading generally changes the trim condition. Trim does not eliminate the need for control during a disturbance.
03
Context & interpretation
Moment equilibrium is necessary but does not alone establish stability. A trimmed aircraft can still have unstable modes.
Physical relationship
ΣM = 0Net moment is zero about the selected axis in the steady reference condition.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.