When is rudder trim usually applied last?

Rudder trim is typically applied last in situations where correcting for yaw does not influence the trim settings for pitch and roll. This approach ensures that adjustments for yaw are made only after establishing optimal conditions for both pitch and roll.

The rationale behind this is based on the aerodynamic balancing of the aircraft. During flight, if adjustments are made to yaw, it's crucial to ascertain that the aircraft maintains adequate pitch and roll stability before further modifying the rudder settings. If yaw corrections are made that do not simultaneously impact the levels of pitch and roll, it allows the pilot to apply rudder trim without needing to make further adjustments to the other axis. This sequence promotes more efficient control and stability in flight, which is essential for maintaining an optimal flight path.

By applying rudder trim last in scenarios where yaw corrections do not disturb the other axes, pilots can ensure every input is given context within the aircraft’s overall balance, leading to a more controlled flying experience.