Originally Posted by
jchorak
I have seen it here before but, cannot seem to find it. Wanting to the ratio of tail weight to nose weight when balancing an aircraft, such as if an ounce is added to the tail, how much weight to the nose is needed to balance?
Thanks,
JC
What Greg mentions is spot-on, every plane is different.
Your plans, or instructions, should note where the CG is located. Generally, it is somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 of the mean chord back from the leading edge of the wing. Set the complete UNFUELED model on some sort of stand that will allow it to rest on the CG point. If it is nose heavy, add weight to the tail until it balances. The further back on the tail you add weight, the less weight you will need, but it is better to add a bit more weight about halfway between the balance point and the tail than a small lump at the tail, or spread the balance weight along an area rather than all in one spot. Just try to use the least amount you can, to achieve balance. If tail heavy, add weight as far forward as you can, usually on the firewall. You would prefer the plane a bit nose heavy, but never tail-heavy. Try to locate the fuel tank as close to the CG as possible, so the balance doesn't shift much as the tank empties. If the plane is electric, you can use battery placement to help balance the plane.Try to make any added weight useful.