ORIGINAL: Popriv
midwest Aerostar, 53" wingspan, .36 TT Pro engine, 4 channels, Spectrum DX6i TX.
I started this plane 20 years ago. I'm finally going to finish it.
I lost the instructions years ago.
Without the instructions I'm not sure of two things...
1. How far back from the lead edge of the wing is the CG and how much room for error?
I know tail heavy is bad!
Do all the suggested work and come up with whatever or do it easy and be right. Your wing is a typical retangle so just balance the finished machine 25% OF THE CHORD back from the LE of the wing. If you have a straight tapered wing, you can find the average chord and go back there 25% of the average. Will be within a 1/4" which is close enough for a toy airplane trainer.
Now after all the bugs are worked out you may want to move the CG back a bit to, say, as much as 30% MAC.
2. How much movement do I need on the controls?
the info I have so far is
Elevator = 1/4" inch up and down.
Rudder = 1/4" right and left.
Ailerons = 1/2" up 1/4" down
(doesnt seem like much movement to me?)
What about the front wheel? how much movement here?
Depends on your flying skills. I would like 1/2" on the rudder with 1/4-3/8 on the nosewheel. Doesn't take much. Less on hard surface.
Good aileron advice for good differential.
I'm having a little trouble with binding on the front wheel control line.
On grass, is the turning done with the rudder or the wheel or both?
Until the machine begins moving, nw is most effective. Once some airspeed is attained and with the prop-wash over the rudder, it will be effective. Good luck.
Getting close, should finish up this week? 1st flight next weekend???
Thanks for everyones help
Pop