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Old 01-12-2006 | 09:05 PM
  #45  
Tom Nied's Avatar
Tom Nied
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
Received 22 Likes on 21 Posts
From: Queen Creek, Arizona
Default RE: towers trainer..

Fingertips are not particularly accurate. I'm guessing you might be in the ballpark for the CG. For real accuracy try a Great Planes CG machine or get some wood and pencils with those replaceable push on erasers (they taper at the tip) and make CG balance tool. I used to use the fingertip method but when I started questioning performance and wanted an accurate read, I bought the CG machine. I was surprised just how much it was off. Remember, when you put it on the CG tool, you want the horizontal stabilizer level. Great Planes CG machines come with a little bubble level. Just picking it up can be deceiving. I like to get my CG right on the suggested mark, a little nose heavy is ok, but tail heavy (nose up) is flirting with disaster. Also with the suggested manufacturers CG, the plane should takeoff fine and land slow. So it's good you are paying attention to the CG location. It's important.

My Tower trainer with a GMS 47, needed the battery pack moved aft of the rear wing holdown former and I had to add weight to the tail. Maybe your engine is lighter. Also, check CG with the tank empty.

Good flying to you,

Tom