The stabiliser is powered by the Centre and Right hydraulic systems. Stabiliser position commands are sent to the stabiliser trim control modules, which control hydraulic power to the stabiliser through a motor and brake system. There are two modules, one for each stabiliser hydraulic source.
Note: The 757 does not have a "Pitch Enhancement System".
The rate of trim varies and is controlled by the trim control modules. When airspeed increases, the trim rate decreases.
Stabiliser position is displayed on two stabiliser position indicators located on the control stand. Green bands indicate the normal trim settings for takeoff.
There are three modes of stabiliser trim control:
Dual electric pitch trim switches located on the control wheel must be pushed simultaneously to command trim changes.
To stabiliser trim less than 3 units with the flaps up, requires use of the Alternate Trim system.
Alternate Stabiliser Trim Levers
Alternate trim control is provided by the stabiliser trim levers on the control stand. Pushing both levers simultaneously mechanically commands trim changes. The signals override any other conflicting trim inputs.
Alternate Stabiliser Trim Switches
Alternate trim control is provided by the alternate stabiliser trim switches on the control stand. Pushing both switches simultaneously electrically commands trim changes and provides an increased range of stabiliser travel. The signals neutralise any other conflicting trim inputs.
AMM In the alternate-electric-stabiliser trim mode, there are mechanical stops on the upper and lower gimbals to limit ball-screw movement. The stabiliser leading edge up limit is approximately 0.20 units of trim. The stabiliser leading edge down limit is approximately 15.30 units of trim.
The stabiliser is controlled automatically by the autopilot or by a Mach Speed Trim system when the autopilots are not engaged. The Mach speed trim system improves speed stability by trimming the stabiliser as airspeed changes. Electric, backup (Alternate), or autopilot trimming inhibits the Mach speed trim system.
Automatic stabiliser trim uses only one trim control module and trims at one-half the electric or alternate trim rate.
If a single autopilot is engaged, electric trimming causes the autopilot to disengage. If multiple autopilots are engaged, the electric trim switches are inhibited. Alternate trimming does not cause autopilot disengagement.
The UNSCHED STAB TRIM illuminates and the EICAS caution message UNSCHD STAB TRIM displays when uncommanded stabiliser motion is detected or, with Autopilot or Mach Speed Trim system engaged, the Stabiliser is moving opposite to the direction signalled.
The light and message also occur if alternate trim is used with an autopilot engaged.
The centre and right stabiliser cut-out switches control hydraulic power to the respective stabiliser trim control module. Placing both switches in the CUT OUT position removes all hydraulic power from the stabiliser trim control modules.
The control column can be used to interrupt stabiliser trim commands by means of a Control Column operated trim cutoff switch. This feature allows the pilot to quickly stop uncommanded trim changes. The stabiliser trim commands (both electric and automatic) are interrupted if the control column is displaced in the opposing direction.
The STAB TRIM light illuminates and the EICAS advisory message STAB TRIM displays when one of the two stabiliser brakes fails to release during trimming by the Electric trim switches; the stabiliser trim rate is one-half of the normal control wheel stabiliser trim switch rate.
If the malfunction is unique to the electric trim control, full trim rate is available by using alternate trim. If both brakes remain engaged, no stabiliser trim is available.
The MACH SPD TRIM light illuminates and the EICAS advisory message MACH/SPD TRIM displays when the Mach speed trim system is inoperative.
On the 757-300, the Yaw damper/Stabiliser trim Module (YSM) combines the functions of the Rudder Ratio Changer module, Stabiliser Control Module and the Yaw Damper.
Because the Mach/Speed Trim System moves the stabiliser at half the rate available to the pilot, its operation is barely perceptible to the pilot. Also, the stabiliser movement commanded by this system is usually small because it turns off each time the pilot trims the stabiliser and when the autopilot is engaged. The Mach/Speed Trim System is also inhibited on the ground and for twenty seconds after liftoff.
An inoperative Mach/Speed Trim System will not perceptibly affect aircraft control or handling characteristics.