ORIGINAL: ameyam
I read through the Venessa CG machine and I think it is a bit too much instrumentation. I read somewhere that the recommended CG is just ball park and we need to check the same in flying. Is that correct and how do I do that?
Ameyam
That is correct.
There is a rather long document that details trimming proceedures for FAI airplanes.
Google for it... you'll learn a lot from it.
Most sports planes fly with a somewhat nose heavy C.G. position.
Some 3D'ers shoot for completely neutral positions.
For the latter the "rate of change" of the dive ( or nose dropping ) from level should be equal both inverted and upright, and very mild in both cases.
It should seem that the plane will fly almost hands off in both positions WITHOUT any trimming.
Note that with the plane trimmed this way, it may balloon up upon landings catching the novice unaware... you have to fly the plane to the ground... quite different than what some are used to.
For a more nose heavy plane, check the FAI trimming guide.