Definition
A cockpit gauge that displays the current position of the aircraft's trim tab relative to its neutral setting. It typically shows movement along a scale marked nose up and nose down (and on some aircraft, left and right for rudder or aileron trim), allowing the pilot to see at a glance how the trim is set without having to feel the controls.
Plain English
A small dial or marker in the cockpit that shows where the trim is currently set, so the pilot can see whether it is adjusted toward nose up, nose down, or in the middle.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight, before-takeoff checks, and whenever the pilot adjusts trim in flight.
Derivation
Indicator comes from the Latin indicare, meaning 'to point out.' The instrument literally points out where the trim tab is sitting.
Why Pilots Care
Enables the pilot to confirm or adjust trim settings without needing direct visual access to the tabs, ensuring balanced flight and reduced control forces.
Intuition Check
Do not read “position indicator” as showing where the airplane is in space. Here it shows the setting of the trim tab itself.
Example Sentence 1
During the before-takeoff check, the pilot glanced at the trim tab position indicator to confirm it was set in the takeoff range.
Example Sentence 2
After leveling off in cruise, the pilot fine-tuned the trim while watching the trim tab position indicator until the aircraft flew hands-off.