I talked to Rocco at AW today. He said he had received several calls about the pitch sensitivity today.

The recommended CG of 4 3/4 is definately for 3D. He said it will porpoise at that location. He is flying his own planes at 5-5 1/4 back.

It was his suggestion that the CG be started at between 3 3/4 and 4 inches back. He felt it is very stable, but a little nose heavy at 3 3/4. As you get more comfortable with the plane move the CG back until it fits your flying style. He gave me the feeling that most experienced pilots should be able to handle a starting CG of 4, but, if this is your 3rd plane or so, that you might be advised to start a little more forward. It is better to have it noseheavy and stable than tailheavy and uncontrollable. You can always move the CG back later.

He also said that the plane was designed for 3D, not blasting around at high speed. He is using a 15x6 prop, but, pointed out that he is in Colorado and that the 16x4 may very well work better with the YS 91 at closer to sea level. The only way you will know is to experiment a little. One plane was built with flying wires on the tail for a picture to put on the net. He feels certain that they are not necessary at the speeds the plane was designed at. If you want it as something other than a 3D plane it might be wise to put the flying wires on.

He pointed out that this is AW's first venture into smaller planes. Most pilots that have purchased the larger planes have a little more experience than some that are purchasing this one and that in the future they will take that into account when making recommendations about things like CG for 3D. He also said that they will probably include a manual with a little more information in it in future small planes to accomodate less experienced pilots.

He said that the reported weights, from real people that have built this plane, are coming in at 8 1/2 pounds max, or under depending on the engine being used. He said that he had not talked to anyone that had one weigh more.

He was extremely helpful. If you have questions, don't hesitate to call him.

JR

Sorry for the duplicate post. It is also posted at the end of the long thread about this plane