Is there a chart or writeup somewhere that goes through these trim tests, what to look for, and the best sequence of steps? I've seen a few write-ups but they do not seem consistent, especially in the sequence of the tests. Even as a lowly "sport flyer" I've seen improvements in my planes as I've made some changes but seem to have too much of a piecemeal approach.
Originally Posted by
speedracerntrixie
Clearly most guys don't 100% understand CG. For your first flights it is not a super critical setting. Even if you set it to the plans or manual it is most likely not going to be the optimal setting anyway. Use whatever method you wish to make sure you are in the ball park, fly the airplane and determine what changes need to be made based on flight tests. Take note to what elevator trim is needed, landing speed, sink rate when the power is pulled off. For advanced pilots, take note of how much forward stick is needed to hold inverted flight, does,it pull or tuck in knife edge, during a 45 degree inverted up line does it want to climb or dive? These are all good tests to decide where the airplane should have its CG placed for final location. IMO final location can only be determined after test flights. In 20 years I have not had one airplane that didn't have its CG adjusted at least once after flying. This includes several 40% airplanes that initial balance was checked by simply picking up the airplane by the wing tube including the Extra in my profile. After flying it was determined that the RX batteries had to be moved forward 8". Once you understand that CG is not a do or die adjustment and how to adjust according to how the airplane flys you will realize that all the fancy balancing gadgets are not needed.