Note: This section is VERY important and must NOT be
omitted! A model that is not properly balanced will be
unstable and possibly unflyable.
❏
1. The balance point (C.G.) is located 4-5/8" [116mm]
back from the leading edge of the wing. Balance your
Slow Poke Sport .40 ARF using a Great Planes C.G.
Machine Airplane Balancer (GPMR2400) for the most
accurate results. This is the point at which your model should
balance for your first flights. After initial trim flights and when
you become more acquainted with your Slow Poke Sport .40
ARF, you may wish to experiment by shifting the balance up
to 3/8" [9.5mm] forward or backward to change its flying
characteristics. Moving the balance forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may then require
more speed for takeoff and may become more difficult to
slow for landing. Moving the balance aft makes the model
more agile with a lighter, snappier feel. In any case, please
start at the location we recommend. Do not at any time
balance your model outside the recommended range.
❏
2. With all parts of the model installed (ready to fly) and
an empty fuel tank, block up the tail as necessary to level the
stab. Lift the model at the desired balance point and observe
the tail of the aircraft. If the tail drops, the model is “tail
heavy” and you must add weight to the nose to balance the
model. If the nose drops, it is “nose heavy” and you must add
weight to the tail to balance the model.
Note: Nose weight may be easily installed by using a
spinner weight. Tail weight may be added by using Great
Planes (GPMQ4485) “stick-on” lead weights.
IMPORTANT: Do not confuse this procedure with
checking the C.G. or balancing the airplane fore and aft.
Now that you have the basic airplane nearly completed, this
is a good time to balance the airplane laterally (side-to-side).
Here is how to do it:
❏
1. Make sure the fuel tank is empty.
❏
2. With the wing level, lift the model by the engine
propeller shaft and the fin post (this may require two
people). Do this several times.
❏
3. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it
means that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding
weight to the opposite, lighter wing tip.
Note: An airplane that has been laterally balanced will track
better in loops and other maneuvers.
At this time check all connections including servo horn
screws, clevises, servo cords and extensions.
Follow the battery charging procedures in your radio
instruction manual.You should always charge your transmitter
and receiver batteries the night before you go flying and at
other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.
Carefully balance your propellers before flying. An
unbalanced prop is the single most significant cause of
vibration. Not only may engine mounting screws vibrate out,
possibly with disastrous effect, but vibration may also
damage your radio receiver and battery. Vibration may
cause your fuel to foam, which will, in turn, cause your
engine to run lean or quit.
Balance the Propeller
Charge the Batteries
PREFLIGHT
Balance Your Model Laterally
4-5/8"
BALANCE YOUR MODEL
18