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Old 03-12-2007 | 03:14 PM
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stek79
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Default RE: how to check Center of Gravity


ORIGINAL: rcpattern

The easiest way that I've found is put the airplane in a 45 degree climb, roll to inverted and see what it does. If it maintains perfect flight or climbs, then it is tail heavy. You want just a slight drop of the nose from inverted.

Arch Stafford
It seems that this method is the most preferred among top pilots, I would stick with it!

I think the KE turn test is not good, since you are adding more and more weight to the tail. In pattern a "forward" CG is preferred, since it gives more pitch stability, the plane is more locked in. Actually how much forward is quite personal, but the mentioned test is surely a good starting point.

I suggest you to follow one of the trim charts. A really good (and simple) is that one by the great Don Szczur:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Articles...ArticleID=1194

Also check Don's forum here on RCU, it has plenty of suggestions even on C.G.