Top Flite Cessna 182 CG problems?
03-28-2005, 03:00 PM
#1
Top Flite Cessna 182 CG problems?
I used the recommended CG in the instructions. 4" from leading edge. From the looks of it, when flying and landing, my plane acts as if it is tail heavy. And this is also what others have observed while I was flying.
Seems 4" from leading edge is a little far back. I had to move my battery way aft to get it balanced. I'm running a 1.20 Saito in it.
For those who might ask, I have not done any in-flight CG checks. Typical test: fly the plane downward. Neutralize the elevator. If the plane goes back up, add tail weight, if the plane goes down, add nose weight.
I would rather not fly the plane until I am comfortable with what the correct CG is. Although I've flown it about 10 times.
Any of you TF Cessna guys having balance problems?
Thanks
Dean Sala
Seems 4" from leading edge is a little far back. I had to move my battery way aft to get it balanced. I'm running a 1.20 Saito in it.
For those who might ask, I have not done any in-flight CG checks. Typical test: fly the plane downward. Neutralize the elevator. If the plane goes back up, add tail weight, if the plane goes down, add nose weight.
I would rather not fly the plane until I am comfortable with what the correct CG is. Although I've flown it about 10 times.
Any of you TF Cessna guys having balance problems?
Thanks
Dean Sala
03-28-2005, 08:25 PM
#2
RE: Top Flite Cessna 182 CG problems?
You say you would rather not fly the plane untill you have the correct CG but you have flown it 10 times. If you have already flown it and still have the plane then it can't be too bad. i dont know that the CG is supposed to be for this kit but try the inverted flying test.
That is trim the aircraft for level flight then roll the model inverted. If your CG is good go will need a small amount of down elevator to maintain level flight. If the CG is too far back the model will need no elevator or may even need up elevator.
You could move the CG forward a little and try it. Only go forward a small amount say 1/4 to 1/2 an inch at a time.
That is trim the aircraft for level flight then roll the model inverted. If your CG is good go will need a small amount of down elevator to maintain level flight. If the CG is too far back the model will need no elevator or may even need up elevator.
You could move the CG forward a little and try it. Only go forward a small amount say 1/4 to 1/2 an inch at a time.
03-29-2005, 11:29 AM
#3
My Feedback: (11)
RE: Top Flite Cessna 182 CG problems?
When you mention that the plane "acts as if it is tail heavy", what do you mean? Do you mean that it's very sensitive on the elevators? Is it unstable in pitch? Do you mean that it's tending to fly tail low?
The last isn't an indication of tail-heaviness, but usually means that the incidence of the wing and/or stabilizer are out of whack, or that the model's underpowered and you have to keep a high angle of attack to generate enough lift.
The Skylane was extensively-tested, and the balance range works out very well for stable flying.
The last isn't an indication of tail-heaviness, but usually means that the incidence of the wing and/or stabilizer are out of whack, or that the model's underpowered and you have to keep a high angle of attack to generate enough lift.
The Skylane was extensively-tested, and the balance range works out very well for stable flying.
03-29-2005, 02:49 PM
#4
RE: Top Flite Cessna 182 CG problems?
ORIGINAL: Bax
When you mention that the plane "acts as if it is tail heavy", what do you mean? Do you mean that it's very sensitive on the elevators? Is it unstable in pitch? Do you mean that it's tending to fly tail low?
The last isn't an indication of tail-heaviness, but usually means that the incidence of the wing and/or stabilizer are out of whack, or that the model's underpowered and you have to keep a high angle of attack to generate enough lift.
The Skylane was extensively-tested, and the balance range works out very well for stable flying.
When you mention that the plane "acts as if it is tail heavy", what do you mean? Do you mean that it's very sensitive on the elevators? Is it unstable in pitch? Do you mean that it's tending to fly tail low?
The last isn't an indication of tail-heaviness, but usually means that the incidence of the wing and/or stabilizer are out of whack, or that the model's underpowered and you have to keep a high angle of attack to generate enough lift.
The Skylane was extensively-tested, and the balance range works out very well for stable flying.
Yes, it's very sensitive on the elevator. Seems to by flying pretty level not low tail and trims out great. But elevator sensitivity is the main prob. The last time I flew the plane, I had some trouble coming in for a landing. I could not get the plane to smooth out. The elevator seemed so sensitive that I was porposing the plane terribly. But is was also a gusty day. However did not have the problem with my other planes.
I'm using dual rates, and using exponential setting so that the stick is less sensitive in the center. The plane is not under powered.
Just after I landed my plane that last time, two diffent guys approached me and told me that my CG is not correct. I went home and double checked it on the balancer at 4" from leading...perfect. One guy told me that 4" is way too far back for this plane. Then proceeded to give me the formula on how to find CG. I forgot it. I'm afraid to start messing around with the CG. But the first thing I guess I can do is start moving it up a little at a time.
thanks
Dean
