I must admit that unlike the NGX (where I'll always have trim set at a calculated value), in the Q400, I tend to just set elevator trim for T/O to the middle of the "T/O band" and it's never let me down yet.

 

Although I do tend to need to trim forward a bit shortly after take-off to avoid excessive pitching up.

DC6_Flyer,

Correct you will need some ND trim after takeoff.

Should the trim directly affect the elevator position and then thus affecting the range of elevator commanded by the yoke?

 

Thats whats happening for me according the to readout on the PFD of the flight control position.

Regarding elevator trim, just a note that the Saitek Cessna trim wheel works excellent with this aircraft - gives very fine-grained pitch control.

Glenn, are you not getting any/enough elevator input.  You are correct in your observation, when the AP is in control of the aircraft you will see the elevator indication of the PFCS indicating the position of the elevator.  Upon disabling the AP (especially on the approach), you should not be getting a nose over response, and you should still be able to have some elevator authority.

I am sure you have done this. but have a look at the control panel and ensure that your are getting full travel on your elevator axis.

Edited April 25, 201313 yr by crosswind

Have have made a new start up C&D , and the last two flights TO have been perfect, not sure what the problem was but fixed now.

Thanks.

Sounds good...thx

Just an FYI, sometimes when I send my weight and balance data to FSX, it doesn't always get accepted (this is from the Majestic Control Panel). A couple of times not all the fuel has gone and I end up with one wing at 3/4's (where it should be) and the other very low. Just make sure something like this hasn't happened and while you think your W&B is ok, in fact it may be out to lunch. That might account for the aircraft being radically out of trim and taking off on its own.

Thanks for the heads up.  If you re-send it does it accept the loading?

I'm not completely sure. Even my claim about it not being sent is yet to be completely confirmed, which is why I haven't said anything about it "officially" yet. I'll know more by next week as by that time I'll have had a chance to test it further. I'll come back here once that's done. For now it's just something that *might* explain the problem above, and maybe for others to watch for as well, but I wouldn't take it as gospel just yet.