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Old 05-17-2004 | 02:19 PM
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Default Plane is nose heavy...

Hi guys,

My plane came out nose heavy. I can probably get it to balance at 33% chord with an ounce under the elevator (without fuel). The question is, should I leave it this way or balance it? I'm worried that adding too much weight will make the plane handle poorly, but being nose-heavy can't be good, either. Is it better to have a nose-heavy or a tail-heavy plane, especially for a beginner?

Note: the plane has a trike landing gear.

Thanks in advance!
Old 05-17-2004 | 02:26 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

Nose heavy is ALLWAYS better then tail heavy

1 oz is not that much try moving the battery and RX towards the tail. If that doesn't work add the weight to the tail and go fly
Old 05-17-2004 | 02:52 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

Crashem's right, a nose heavy plane will still fly, (A tail heavy plane won't) but a properly balanced plane with an extra few ounces will fly better than a nose heavy plane without the extra weight.

Bottom line... balance the plane, even if it means adding weight.
Old 05-17-2004 | 04:39 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

You won't notice 1oz of weight on a .40 size trainer, but it's good to be thinking along the "lighter is better" route. I agree with Crashem and Minn.
Old 05-17-2004 | 05:10 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

So do I. Move your battery pack back first, it may be enough, but add a little weight to the tail if necessary.

Remember, the plane should balance level, or slightly nose down.
Dennis-
Old 05-17-2004 | 07:32 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies! The transmitter and battery are moved as far back as possible. I may have to add the weight after all.

I am somewhat sure of this, but balancing is done without fuel, correct?

Thanks again!
Old 05-17-2004 | 08:24 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

You kn ow I obviously went with Nose heave for several years but you know it turns out I was really missing out. Now if its too nose heavy you could run out of elevator on landings. But i found that my planes flew even better when I nailed the CG.
Old 05-17-2004 | 08:34 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

scubyfan,
Yes, you balance with the tank empty. If you balanced with the tank full, then the plane would become more and more tail heavy as you burned off the fuel.
Dennis-
Old 05-17-2004 | 08:53 PM
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Default RE: Plane is nose heavy...

Being nose heavy just means you have to have a little more elevator through, but other than that, you will not have any problems



ORIGINAL: scubyfan

Hi guys,

My plane came out nose heavy. I can probably get it to balance at 33% chord with an ounce under the elevator (without fuel). The question is, should I leave it this way or balance it? I'm worried that adding too much weight will make the plane handle poorly, but being nose-heavy can't be good, either. Is it better to have a nose-heavy or a tail-heavy plane, especially for a beginner?

Note: the plane has a trike landing gear.

Thanks in advance!

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