is there an easy method to obtaining a certain engine thrust angle? i mean, if you'd like say....one degree of down thrust and maybe the same right.....how the heck do you measure such a small angle. just wondering if there's an easy way. maybe some kind of a gage that you can buy? any info would be great. if you're headed to your field today....have a great day!

Try one of these. [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPW71&P=0]guage[/link] It does thrust angle too.

Many planes (arfs) come with right thrust already built into the firewall. You can see this by standing over the top of it and look down. Other wise for right thrust, a simple washer on the left side top and bottom bolts between the mount and the firewall is usually enough.

or if your good at math, use triginometry, if your intrested it (is fairly easy to do step by step) pm me and i'll upload some diagrams and show you how to do it.

dave trimmer

you can do it with a level and angle gauge.the angel gauge i have is one of those magnetic types i used it when i was working to set boom angle gauges for cranes and it has a flat edge 2 inches wide and is small enough to fit in tight places,it will get you close enough.and like was said here most thrust angels are built into the firewalls now days.

one of the more primitive tools from way back is a protractor with a string and weight.you hold the fuselage with the centerline parrallel to a table top then place the protacter on the firewall with the string and weight hanging down and then just read the dergrees.thread works best.along with a 1/2 oz lead fishing weight.

ok...thats cool. thanks so much for the info. i actually have noticed that angled firewall while looking at it from the top view. and from the side , i believe there's some built in down thrust angle as well. i'm glad the manufaturers are watching out for us....lol.

Well there ya go!

The robart incedence meter works great also. Just pull the meter from the rail and hold the meter up againts the back plate of the engine.