ORIGINAL: Troy Newman
Oh and to set the record straight CPLR in Florida 99' had a lead weight on his CG to make the model weigh up near the 5kg limit. I heard he did the same in Ireland in 2001 and, and Poland in 2003. I have heard that CPLR's models are 9-9.25lbs before the ballast and I believe that. But you know he is a 4 Time World Champ. So I think maybe he has something on us. Why would he be loading up dead weight in his model.....? Could it be the windy conditions at the worlds? Could it be something else?
Ok, I have to come clean on one thing -- CPLR is a better pilot than I am! You got me there. I don't know why he would put ballast in his planes. And what is up with that little tee-wing Teletubby thing on top of his canopy?
I have added 3/4 pounds to my Partner, and I really felt the difference at take off in particular. When a plane starts getting heavy, I notice the difference. On the same day comparison with the same airframe, with added ballast, I really notice the difference. I am little skeptical about the benefits of ballast for high wind conditions. In an F3F plane, ok. But a pattern plane with a fixed pitch prop -- I don't get it. It definately has more momentum, so maybe it is easier to finess the crab angle or rolls are more predictable. Perhaps it is just personal preference, or perhaps it is no myth that a higher wing load is more stable in the wind.
One thing I will say about my Supreme, is that it is the most solid tracking plane I have flown. In heavy wind, it is as if there is no wind at all. It is pretty awesome to fly, and while it feels responsive, it penetrates and tracks like nothing else I have flown. I will try to get to a few contests this year so you can try it out. I am really struggling with time lately. Crazy me, I decided to get in shape and learn how to play the piano. Something had to give.
Troy, great post. I respect your experience and thoughts. Oh, and I prefer the DZ too.