slip and ball ...

[nearmiss]

Originally Posted by revi

I've been using my rudder to line up my plane on my target, and using my instict to decide on lead. Should I be using rudder to "step on the ball" and use aileron and elevator to get aligned?

You should use rudder to step on the ball. Push R rudder if ball is to the right, vs. v.

You should always trim your aircraft. You can trim while you are climbing, but it is most important to trim when you have reached a cruise altitude and have some time to get your trim close to where you want it.

You will also climb more efficiently when you have the ball centered. Effectively you are flying straight, which is the most efficient way to maintain speed in any manuever.