BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)
At this time the model must be in “ready-to-fly”
condition with all components installed including
the complete radio system, landing gear, engine,
prop and spinner. The model is to be balanced with
the fuel tank empty.
❏
1. If using a Great Planes
®
C.G. Machine
™
to
balance the model, set the rulers to 3" [76mm]. If
you do not have a Great Planes C.G. Machine, use
a felt-tip pen or 1/16" to 1/8" [1.5 to 3mm] tape to
accurately mark the C.G. 3" [76mm] from the
leading edge on the bottom of the wing.
❏
2. Mount the wing to the fuselage with at least four
#64 rubber bands. If using a C.G. Machine, place the
model on the machine. If not using a C.G. Machine, use
the tip of your middle fingers on both hands to lift the
model by the wing on both sides of the fuselage at the
balance point you marked on the bottom of the wing.
❏
3. If the fuselage is level when lifting the model the
C.G. is correct. If the nose drops the model is nose-
heavy and will require weight on the tail to balance.
This is where the model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting
the C.G. up to 1/2" [13mm] forward or 1/2" [13mm]
back to change the flying characteristics. Moving the
C.G. forward will increase stability, but will decrease
the model's aerobatic capabilities by decreasing
maneuverability. Moving the C.G. aft will have the
opposite effect. In any case, as long as the model is
balanced
within the recommended range
it will not
display any bad tendencies. Do not at any time
balance the model outside the recommended range.
More than any other factor, the
C.G.
(center of
gravity, also referred to as the balance point) can
have the
greatest
effect on how a model flies and
may determine whether or not the first flight will be
successful. If the plane is nose heavy it could be
difficult to takeoff and land and lose some of its self-
recovery capabilities. If the plane is tail heavy the
controls may be too sensitive, making the model
overreact to control inputs. If you value this model
and wish to enjoy it for many flights,
DO NOT
OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.
A
model that is not properly balanced will be unstable
and possibly unflyable.
Prepare the Model for Flying
20