Hi all,
I’m completely new to Flight Sim but i’m really enjoying it and have just finished the tutorial on easy (only the smaller planes).
I’ve also just bought a Thrustmaster Hotas X joystick and throttle (second hand/used), but I’ve noticed then when i return the joystick to the centre after climbing that i seem to start nose diving and then have to set the trim to level it out. If i try to adjust just using the joy stick then it just does the same thing when i return it to the centre.
Is this normal, or do i need to make amendments in the settings?
Admittedly i’ve downloaded any software for the joystick yet or even amended the settings in game so will have a look when i get home tonight.
Many thanks,
Muddy
Any change of attitude or speed will require re-trimming.
The main general issue here is that in a real airplane there is no center position. There is no spring that centers the yoke / flight stick. If you want to maintain level flight at a certain speed you move it to the correct position and then trim until you feel you don’t have to push or pull it anymore. The trim in GA airplanes is to remove forces on the stick.
Not really sure if it’s the same in english but in polish it’s even officially called the “balancing flap”, not a trim.
Another thing is that if you climb with the stick pulled all the time (instead of trimming for center) then obviously if you let go the nose will go down. But there is nothing that will stop it at exactly horizon level. Might be a bit above, might be a bit below. Depends on you current trim, airplane characteristics and speed.
In general, unless you’re doing aerobatics, the inputs should be minimal and gradual. Especially on the elevator axis. Flying by hand is a constant balancing game. You should be able to maintain altitude ±50ft. It might help to lower the elevator sensitivity (by quite a lot) in the settings. In a real airplane it’s a bit easier because you actually feel if it goes up or down. Also unless you’re flying an Airbus or F-16 the stick has quite a bit more movement (so is naturally less sensitive). On most planes I have flown it’s normally between your knees and when you pull to the maximum it almost touches your belly.
Make sure to calibrate your controls in Windows itself first. Search for “controllers”.