Could use help with AK Models Cub CG
 

When I first put this Cub together I thought it was balanced correctly! The fuse was level when I finished. However, when I tried to fly it, it would not fly worth a crap!!! It seemed to be hanging on the prop and just wallowing around. So, we decided the plane was tail heavy! I added enough weight to the front to cause the nose to begin to point down. Well, now it flies just fine, I think. How on earth am I supposed to know how level the fuse is supposed or not supposed to be! The manual only tells me where to mark the CG point. Nothing about the attitude of the fuse!! I don't know if it is balanced correctly now!

Hope this makes sense. I am very tired and sleepy!!!:D

RE: Could use help with AK Models Cub CG
 

The fuselage should be level at the proper balance point. For a flat bottom airfoil, this means the bottom of the wing will be level. That will be between 25% and 33% of the wing chord. Wallowing can also be an indication of not enuogh power. For a Cub, you also might need coordinated controls in a turn to prevent the tail from dropping.

Dr.1

RE: Could use help with AK Models Cub CG
 

Thanks, but power is not the problem. It flies now that I put more weight on the nose. I have enough power to go vertical and it would not fly. When I say wallow I mean just that. Tail hanging low and ailerons not responding at all! What turning it did was flat! I know how to fly. The CG has really got me stumped. I don't know if it is too nose heavy now.

I had it balanced, at first, with the bottom of the wing level. That did not work and now that it points a couple degrees down, it flies great. Oh, well.

Thanks again!