Trim Tab?

[popaviator]

Why does a C172 have the trim tab on the right side of the horizontal stab vs. the left side?

 

[Nark]

When the air is spiraling back over the empanage, which side does it hit?

 

[Roger, Roger]

Coin flip.

 

[phoenix 23684]

There is really no aerodynamic advantage of one side versus the other. You'd have to ask the engineer why, could have been any number of reasons, or as previously stated a simple coin toss. Much like why do American engines spin clockwise vs. European??

 

[nocturnalaviator]

So it's easy to inspect before takeoff from the pilots seat?

 

[trafficinsight]

it had to be on at least one side

 

[popaviator]

hmmmmm... I'm going to ask a mechanic today and I'll report back. I might this response as well

 

[Cessnaflyer]

When the air is spiraling back over the empanage, which side does it hit?

That's for the vertical stabilizer.

 

[jwp_145]

On my ppl check ride the examiner asked me why it was only on one side... I said "Um, cuz one is enough."
Could be that there is some other hardware running along the opposite side of the empenage.

 

[Okie_Pilot]

So it's easy to inspect before takeoff from the pilots seat?

:rotfl::beer:

 

[dasleben]

You people ask too many questions.

 

[Minuteman]

Because that's where Buckminster Fuller wanted it.

 

[ProudPilot]

Since doing it on both sides would increase weight. I would theorize that if you had to choose you would want it on the right side as it would produce drag on the right side to help offset left turning tendencies, especially when deflected more as it would be at low airspeeds.

More than likely though, the weight is the major issue and either side would be fine as it's not a lot of drag. Every bit does add up though.

 

[Guy]

How about this. Since the pilot sits on the left, any extra weight that only needs to be on one side is added to the right to improve lateral balance.
:dunno:


Naaah, I'll go with coin flip.

 

[LV-ARG]

So it's easy to inspect before takeoff from the pilots seat?

Reasonable enough as I've done that myself a couple of times (unreliable elevator trim T/O mark)

 

[ryan1234]

What does it matter? The closest answer is probably something to do with other control rigging or general simplicity....doubt it has to do with weight..the 172 isn't exactly the pinnacle of performance.

If an examiner seriously asked that, he's probably just looking for an opportunity to share his superior knowledge of otherwise useless information...along the same lines as "how many rivets are in the tail?"

 

[The Gardener]

I've always felt that the drag caused by the trim tab will slightly offset the left turning tendancies. I don't have a specific reference to proove it but it sure seems logical to me.

 

[trafficinsight]

What does it matter? The closest answer is probably something to do with other control rigging or general simplicity....doubt it has to do with weight..the 172 isn't exactly the pinnacle of performance.

Could you imagine if it was a couple hundred pounds heavier?

Weight is everything.

 

[derg]

Because that's where Buckminster Fuller wanted it.

Oh that Buckminster.... ha!

Umm, huh!?

 

[Minuteman]

Oh that Buckminster.... ha!

Umm, huh!?

It's on the man's tombstone and tombstone ottoman. Oliver Stone drew on his rants against the concept of "Lawyer Capitalism" for his movies ... it's like jtrain doesn't see the finish line.