Hey Everyone!



Being fairly new to R/C flying, I have another question for all you experienced flyers out there. I've been assembling my Nexstar ARF and I've noticed what I believe to be a bit of a problem. When I was installing the engine mount onto the fuselage wall, I noticed that the wall was not glued in straight. When I completed installing the engine and prop, I measured that the prop is off centre to the right by 3 mm. I was wondering if this is enough to pull the airplane to the right when taking off, flying and landing. I could off set it by adding an extra washer or two on the right side of the engine mount, but I was wondering if this is necessary and will it impact flight at all due to it being off centre?



Thanks everyone!

Im still new to flying myself but have been told most planes have some right hand thrust built into them from the firewall but someone on here with more know will come on and let you know for sure.

Chris

Marky82,
The offset to the right is supposed to be there. It is there to counteract the pull to the left that all airplanes have. The pull to the left is caused by the spinning of the propeller. They have put in the offset to the right to help make it a bit easier for you as a new pilot. It's there to help the plane track straight down the runway on a takeoff, and to help it fly straight while in the air. Just leave it there, don't try to take out the offset.

Hope this helps

Ken

This is called offset, and is there to minimize the left pull of engine torque. Leave it alone, it is fine!

The others are correct but it is also good that you are paying attention and asking questions. Unasked questions may lead to trouble so bring them on any time you have them.

BTW - you were having engine trouble in a prior thread. Did you get that resolved? It is always polite to go back and let everyone know when you have found your answers and it may help others too.

You are supposed to mount the engine off center (a little bit to the LEFT), in compensation for the right thrust, so that the prop is centered between the cheeks of the cowl. It won't hurt if you don't do that, but it will look a bit funny with the prop not on center.

Yes, I think I have corrected the engine issue I had. It's hard to say if it's fully resolved as the weather hasn't been nice enough to try again, but I'm hoping all is well. I've posted a reply with my findings for others to see. Thanks!

Now by a little to the left, do you mean when looking directly at the airplane from the front? Sorry, but there's a few different perspectives I've been looking at the engine.
Thanks!

To the "airplanes" left. To the left if YOU were sitting in the cockpit. The same left side as the side of the car you drive sitting on. Lord help me if Canadians drive on the wrong side like the British and let's not start a war on that comment either please.

Nah, Canucks drive on the right -- like Yanks & Europeans.

I thought I remembered that. Wasn't sure about Western provinces. Used to cross into Canada (Windsor) via Detroit tunnel or bridge and drive to Toronto but been a Looooong time ago.

We're not sure about the western provinces either -- but they still drive on the right.

Well than that puts me in quite the predicament, because if I were in the cockpit than the engine is pointing off centre to the right, not the left.

BTW, we all drive on the right side of the road here in Canada

It is supposed to point that way -- to the right -- as viewed from your position as the intrepid command pilot. That's why it's called right thrust.

You are confusing the terms "offset" & "thrust angle"

Your engine has a right thrust angle -- which makes it point to the right when viewed from the cockpit.

As I noted in an earlier post, & as Ken clarified (it was perfectly clear to me), you have to shift (offset) the entire engine & engine mount to the LEFT to bring the prop hub back to center, in compensation for the right thrust which would have moved the prop hub too far right. Got it? [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

I've encountered more than a few Canucks who drive on both sides of the road -- they are usually right-left challenged newbie fliers.

Some drive down the center-line. But they do that in the U.S. too, in all fairness. Not to mention the drunks that can't decide which side to use.