HI
I have a aerostar 40 that i flew 2 times 10 years ago. it has been in storage,now I have decided to learn to fly.
I bought this plain already built new at a hobby shop so I have no instructions.
Two questions
(1) I replaced the fuel tank ,the old tank was just placed in the nose with rubber sheet wraped around it. should i block it in with balsa or....?
(2)When i check the balance how do i know were it should be, do i check with a full tank ?

Thank You
By the way i love this site.

I love this site too. It's even better when people put a description of their question in the subject field.

1) You don't need to worry about the tank slipping out backward, at least not on this trainer. Just make sure it is a snug fit.

2) Check the CG with the tank empty.

3) Make sure your radio complies with modern tuning standards. Take it to a hobby shop or tell us exactly what you have.

4) Good luck.

Tom

Use foam around the tank to cushion it - it'll minimize 'foaming' which happens when it vibrates from the engine - it'll give you weird engine problems. And check the batteries somehow - 10 years is a long time and the batteries might've croaked.

garrettrl,
First, welcome to RCU and the terrific world of RC flying!

You probably should have left that original tank with the "rubber sheet". Chances are the tank was wrapped in foam to isolate it from vibration. As Rob mentioned, you don't want the fuel to "foam" because it will cause the engine to run lean, and quit, and make it hard to tune.... It does not have to be blocked with balsa.

The plane should be balanced around 25% of MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord), but don't panic. Find the thickest part of the wing, where it meets the fuselage. That should be the approximate balance point.

To be sure, measure the total wing chord where it meets the fuse, and then measure back 25% of that total from the leading edge. It should come out close to the thickest part of the wing.

Now put a mark on the bottom of the wing, on each side, at that point (against the fuse). Pick the plane up and try to balance it with one fingertip on each of the marks. It should balance level, or slightly nose down. If it balances tail down, move your battery pack forward, or add weight to the nose until it balances properly.

"A nose heavy plane may fly poorly, but a tail heavy plane flys once."

Now, you HAVE found a local club and will be finding someone to teach you how to fly this, right?? Don't try it alone. Or if you do, bring a large trash bag for the pieces.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Dennis-

Thanks guys for all your help.
1) I put the new tank in the same way the old one was installed
(the old tank was all gumed up )

2)Getting new rx & tx batts this weekend.

3)radio is up to date

4) AMA is in the mail, rejoining the club I was in 10 years ago (have already been hanging out at the club) I have someone ready to train me. I cant wait!

5) the CG should be close , I am placing everything back where it was at.

Thanks again

It sounds like all systems are go!!


Tom

Go garrett! And keep us posted.
Dennis-