DCS: AH-64D Apache: Understanding Trim

Trim is confusing in simulators, we'll explain how it works in the real aircraft and DCS, modes and mistakes to avoid.

The Liveries used in this video:

[CSeraphym]

This is an absolutely critical video! Flying helicopters is challenging, and adding the trim abstractions without understanding what they do can cause so much frustration. Thank you for taking the time to really dive into this and all the issues with each mode.

[Mark_Point]

Finally a trim tutorial with separate feed of an actual stick! All the other videos just reference the controls overlay. Your content really is a cut above the rest! Another well made and detailed guide 👍👍👍👍👍

[RedKiteRender]

Good news, a Trim Reset button has been added as of the last patch!

[Spiniker]

Disabling trim on the rudder pedals is a great tip. Thank you! I’ve been flying with no trim and it’s been ok, just a little taxing on long cruises. As long as I can get the cyclic trimmed, I’m good to go :)

[CasmoTV]

Great job, @RedKite. You’ve nailed it and having that old ass joy stick is a super handy way to demonstrate it. Nice!

I have to say the center position killed me many times today on stream. I’m partial to the default one.

[shagrat]

One important advice for the "Central Position Trimmer mode", use the "force trim release" button, as a "release the trimming force" button and not like a "trim now" switch! The trim action happens on release of the button, not when you depress.
Depress and HOLD the "trim release" whenever you turn, accelerate or decelerate, basically whenever you don't just make the small corrections.
If you learn to remember the rough position of the stick (and or look down to check) and put it there to "pick up" the position with pressing and holding the trim release, you minimize the problems with the limits of the physical sticks movement, plus it does not require multiple quick trim inputs. Btw. this works for the Huey, Ka-50, Mi-24 and Mi-8 as well.

[Vikingth]

Clicked "like" as soon as the first sentence ended. Great opening. :)

[StraitD]

I've been at it fighting with the controls the entire way for like six weeks now, and was taking pointers from people with the FFB (mine is spring), and had sooo many issues with the Apache. This is EXACTLY what EVERYONE needs to see FIRST! Most. Important. Video. Available.

[Rlaxox]

You know ... I had so many people argue with me about how devs shouldn't add "Reset trim" as a QoL change, luckily bignew said that it's on their todo list now.

Just non-stop ... "We don't need trim reset, wags made a video about it just change the special options mode for trimming and you won't have issues"
And I'm just like ... "What on earth ..."

I was getting to a point where I wanted to make a video to basically explain to people why it would be good to have but I just suck at describing the issues and don't really have the time or the will, your video is like spot on my man, only thing I could do is thank you.

Thanks man.

[jubuttib]

10:37 A "damper" is something that controls movement, usually adding resistance to motion based on motion velocity. A "dampener" is something that makes you moist/wet. =)

[commissarmartin]

It would definitely be beneficial to have a 'trim reset' or recentre button, even though it isn't present on the actual aircraft. It is possible to fly effectively without it as long as you keep mental track of your trim position, but it would certainly be helpful for the vast majority of users who have spring sticks that don't work the same as the real aircraft... A good argument for usability over realism in this case, hopefully ED will take notice

[jerrylinam]

Very bloody helpful! I wish this was in the quick start, but look! We have smart guys like you, so thanks. Really, thanks!

[epoch]

Essential viewing, incredibly well explained. Another first class video RedKite.

[slyderace]

The Central Trimmer Mode is the easiest - as long as you remember to recenter your stick to center.

[Jp]

A shame there are not "cheap" forcefeedback joysticks. Would love to see a Hotas Warthog Force more wait. Thanks!

[FlavourlessLife]

Thanks for the trick about disabling the pedal trim. Makes it feel like the ka-50.

[murgel]

Well, there is a reason why I preserved my Sidewinder FF stick as long as possible.
Personally, I was very sad when FF died, I had really hoped to see more FF sticks, especially of the HOTAS variation. But they never showed up on the market. Back in the early 2000s, my FF stick usage was the secret of my success at "Warbirds"...

[dallasb]

Great video thank you.
Trim reset has been added now to the Apache by DCS - so that is good

[tonyascaso]

RedKite you produce the best tutorials on how things function in DCS. Well done! No one else comes close in getting into the guts and problems in these modules.

[talonfox]

For those who are struggling with trim, you are not alone. Trim is one of the top three issues that real life Apache trainees struggle with during initial aircraft training. Time and iterations is what it takes, and in DCS having the control display helps to maintain situational awareness about where the trim is currently set.