Original Message

Sorry for the slight hijack!

Reading your post and because it is almost impossible on finding consistent resources on the Force Trim function as it seems every helicopter is a bit different as I get different answers in the forums or on the web. I would like to know on how it works from a piloting perspective in the Mi-8, Mi-24, Mi-17, or KA-50  models. I would appreciate if you or a real life pilot would find the time answering some of my below questions related to the force trim function.

Are the following statements correct:

(a) If I engage the Force Trim function the cyclic locks into that position and this is the new 0,0 position.

(b) I can still make corrections but the range is now limited and if I exceed that limit, Force Trim will disengage.

(c) If I move the cyclic from that new 0,0 position I will feel a "spring" load, returning the cyclic back to the locked position if I would let go of it.

If the range (b) is limited, by how much?

Thanks!