Hello True North,
You have been told correctly, the airplane does not know the wind is blowing. It doesn't care. The only time YOU care is when performing ground reference manuevers. Downwind turns are ok if ball is centered. And then the wind does not push it at all, just moves with the airmass. Like a boat going across the river, same principle. read "Stick and Rudder". Also if all else is equal the fuel used should be the same between tanks should be the same if wings are level(trim) Or the A/C may prefer one tank over the rest. As far as fixed trim goes, the A/C should be in trim with feet on the floor in the condition it is in most, usually cruise. Exception for instance are tow or jump planes that spend lots of time climbing. Remember the feet move when hands move, ALL THE TIME. ok?
j
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What can you conceive more silly and extravagant than to suppose a man racking his brains, and studying night and day how to fly?
— William Law, 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holly Life XI,' 1728
[This message has been edited by before landing check list (edited 05 November 2000).]