Plane is nose heavy...
#1
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From: Los Angeles, CA
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!
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!
#2
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From: Jewett, NY,
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

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
#3
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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.
Bottom line... balance the plane, even if it means adding weight.
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From: Laurel, MD,
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.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
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!
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!
#7
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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.
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From: Locust Grove,
GA
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!
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!




