CENTER OF GRAVITY VERIFICATION
37
The center of gravity (CG) location for your aircraft is located at the
location shown to the right as well as listed below.
The recommended starting CG is located 21mm (13/16 inch)
FORWARD of the aft edge of the plastic belly pan.
The total
acceptable CG range for this aircraft is 18-24mm (23/32-15/16-
inch) FORWARD of the aft edge of the plastic belly pan.
This CG is measured by lifting the completed aircraft upright, with
all components installed. This location was determined from many
test flights by designer and multi-time Top Gun champion, David
Ribbe. Lift the airplane from the underside of the wing to check CG.
Setting the center of gravity is one of the most important steps for
success, particularly with a new aircraft. The FV-31 Cypher is a
unique flying aircraft that couples multirotor and airplane flight
characteristics together. This VTOL type of aircraft makes it a very
enjoyable aircraft to fly, but if the CG is not within an acceptable
range, it will make the aircraft difficult, if not impossible to control.
NOTICE
The CG measurement should be made with the completed
airframe with all components (batteries, servos, receiver,
linkages, hardware, etc.) installed. Failure to do so will result
in an inaccurate measurement.
13/16 in.
(21mm)
PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS
To help ensure a successful first flight, as well as many flights after, perform a few simple pre-flight checks to ensure the aircraft is ready for
flight.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Check and re-check all of the rear fan tilt angles with the provided gauges. It is always a good idea to keep the gauges with
you at all times to re-check in case of a crash, hard landing or even accidentally bumping the fans during transport.
Check and re-check the elevon centers with the provided gauge. It is always a good idea to keep the gauges with you at all
times to re-check in case of a crash, hard landing or even accidentally bumping the elevons during transport.
Verify transmitter stick inputs result in the proper control surface movements (reference page 32), and that all FLEXF3 Flight
Configurations and Profiles work properly.
Verify aircraft movement results in proper FLEXF3 sensor corrections (reference page 33).
Verify control surfaces are properly hinged and in good working order. Pinch a control surface between your thumb and fore finger, and
stabilize the wing with your other hand. Give the control surface a firm pull away from the wing. The control surface should not come
unhinged from the wing. Be sure to avoid over-stressing the part, as an aggressive pull may cause the surface to come unhinged even
though it is hinged properly. If hinging is loose, do not fly. Apply thin CA to the loose side(s) of the hinge(s) to resecure.
Verify that all hardware and all other aircraft parts are properly secured, including those connections that require blue thread lock. This
includes hardware and parts installed by the factory.
Verify your battery is fully charged and in good condition. Avoid using batteries with swollen cells, or batteries that do not charge back
to their full capacity.
Verify the CG is in the proper location, and the battery is well-secured in place.
Ensure the FLEXF3 is on and functioning properly. Power on your transmitter, followed by the aircraft. Ensure the FLEXF3 is calibrated
properly and receiving a valid radio source.
Verify the motor and ESC function properly. Point the aircraft in a safe direction, and away from any objects or limbs that could become
entangled in the fans. Hold the aircraft firmly so that you are away from the fans. Smoothly advance the throttle to full and back to idle.
Listen and watch for any od or unusual behavior from the motor and ESC.
