Flight Characteristics--I am flying my Kyosho Gee Bee Z 40 with a Saito FA-56 (15.5 oz.) for power. The plane flies as if nose heavy. That is, the nose falls out severely in the turns, landing is at 1/2 throttle, and I am flying with full up trim (about 1/8 inch deflection). My battery is against the firewall on the inside. When placed on the GP CG machine, with the contacts at 70 mm behind the leading edge (Manufacturer suggested), upside down for a low wing model, the tail droops as if tail heavy.

I read on this forum that others flying this model with the Saito FA-56 were having to put the battery under the engine on the firewall to achieve the correct CG.. They also commented to land fast, remove and replace the wooden pushrods with plastic to save tail weight and they had balanced the model at 65 mm behind the leading edge. Are their aircraft also nose heavy?

Do I need more nose weight to achieve balance? Do I need more tail weight to counteract the tendency for the nose to fall in the turns and reduce the need for up trim? Do I need to accept that the aircraft will be severely nose heavy? Am I determining the CG incorrectly? Does balanced mean that the aircraft datum line is parallel to the ground?

Thanks for your comments, I am really confused by this one.

Steve

Do you still fly this model?

I found the best way to enjoy this waste of money is to leave it hanging by suspension wires over the dryer in the washing machine room. That way you can continue to enjoy it's "Hangar-Queen" status and hear the comments made by a wife who knew this little ARF was going to be a bad airplane from the start. The only positive thing about it is that it continues to be a good conversation piece and it is safe and sound from becoming a pile of fiberglass and balsa.......$465 dollors worth to be exact. MM

I fly mine with a Saito 82 GK, it balanced at 70 mm from the leading edge with the battery being installed slightly to the rear. It flies beautifully and lands well save for the frequent ground loops. I am working on the landing gear to fix it. Bruno