Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Trim instruction The direction to move the trim and the proper instructional words to use are a common source of confusion. Raising the trim wheel lowers the nose. It is better to have the student think of touching the trim wheel as touching the tail of the aircraft. Moving the trim wheel up will cause air flow over (under) the elevator to move the tail up. Thus, raising the trim wheel raises the tail while lowering the nose. Lowering the trim wheel lowers the tail and raises the nose. By agreement, I make a practice of telling the student the direction to move the trim wheel. I also advise against pinching or flipping the wheel. I suggest use of the index finger on the knobs of the wheel. A full turn and count system seems to have been deliberately engineered by Cessna. All full movements of the trim should be with the forefinger getting the very top or bottom button of the trim wheel and moving it as far as possible. Always start at the very top button or the very bottom button with the finger tip. Grasping the trim wheel between the fingers prevents the full movement needed thus making necessary more trim adjustment. Pinching the wheel always leaves the turn one button short. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM