In the event of conflicting pilot aileron/elevator trim inputs, which cockpit trim switch has priority?

• A. The switch that is depressed first has priority
• B. The front cockpit
• C. The rear cockpit
• D. Neither cockpit; the trim system will not work in the case of simultaneous inputs

Answer: (C)

In dual-control aircraft, there has to be a clear authority for trim commands to prevent two people from fighting the controls. The rear cockpit is given priority for aileron/elevator trim. This means when both pilots try to trim at the same time, the instructor in the rear cockpit’s input dictates the trim position and the aircraft trims toward that command. This setup lets the person in charge—usually the instructor—override student adjustments and keep the flight stable and safe during training.

The other possibilities aren’t how this is typically arranged: trim does not automatically go to whoever pressed a switch first, and the front cockpit’s input isn’t given precedence by design. The system does not simply stop functioning under simultaneous input; it follows the defined priority to avoid conflicting commands.