What is the function of stabilizer trim during approach, and what issues would indicate trim problems?

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Multiple Choice

What is the function of stabilizer trim during approach, and what issues would indicate trim problems?

During approach, stabilizer trim is used to set and hold the aircraft’s pitch attitude by adjusting the horizontal stabilizer. This allows the airplane to maintain a precise glide path and target airspeed with less manual effort, so you can concentrate on configuration and air traffic requirements rather than constant stick input. When trim is working properly, you’ll see the airplane maintain the desired pitch and the trim moves respond to your inputs without unexpected changes. Signs of trim problems include trim runaway (the stabilizer moving on its own toward nose-up or nose-down without input), an abnormal pitch attitude that cannot be held even with control inputs, or a lack of response to trim commands. You might also notice reaching the trim limits with the airplane still not in the correct attitude, unusual noises from the trim actuators, or a fault indication for the trim system. These symptoms point to a malfunction in the trim system that needs attention. The other options don’t fit because stabilizer trim isn’t involved in landing gear extension, cabin temperature, or autopilot mode settings.

During approach, stabilizer trim is used to set and hold the aircraft’s pitch attitude by adjusting the horizontal stabilizer. This allows the airplane to maintain a precise glide path and target airspeed with less manual effort, so you can concentrate on configuration and air traffic requirements rather than constant stick input. When trim is working properly, you’ll see the airplane maintain the desired pitch and the trim moves respond to your inputs without unexpected changes.

Signs of trim problems include trim runaway (the stabilizer moving on its own toward nose-up or nose-down without input), an abnormal pitch attitude that cannot be held even with control inputs, or a lack of response to trim commands. You might also notice reaching the trim limits with the airplane still not in the correct attitude, unusual noises from the trim actuators, or a fault indication for the trim system. These symptoms point to a malfunction in the trim system that needs attention.

The other options don’t fit because stabilizer trim isn’t involved in landing gear extension, cabin temperature, or autopilot mode settings.

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