Balance problem
 

i finally got around to assembling a Venom A6M Zero Park fighter Foamy. i balance exactly according to the instructions useing my CG machine and went i launched it flew very erratic and kept point toward the sky as to launch like a rocket. i got it back down , only breaking the prop. ive searched the forums looking for others with this plane with no luck. it looked to be obviously tail heavy but everything is shoved as far forward as possible...it balaced level, maybe slightly nose heavy. i guess im gonna have to start sticking lead to the nose and see what happens. this might be the reason Venom dont sell these anymore.. :(

RE: Balance problem
 

Are you sure you have picked the right point to measure the CG? Don't know your plane specifically, but CG is usually 1/3 of the wing chord (width) of the wing back from the front.

RE: Balance problem
 

SigMan,

Try this trimming sequence, still applicable to RC:

http://tpbweb.com/media/catalog/610.pdf

RE: Balance problem
 

Thanks SS, i tried that and the manual was right on the money. so im going to try the trimming sequence that Lnewqban suggested.

RE: Balance problem
 

I have an expression that I have used for many years: Go by the book, and when the book doesn't work, throw the book away and do what works.

The bottom line is If the plane flies like it is tail heavy, then it is probably tail heavy - regardless of what the book says.

There is also NO SIN in adding weight. Sure, avoid it if you can, and some guys will say "Use a bigger battery instead of adding dead weight" but the fact of the matter is, you HAVE a battery, why spend 50 bucks for a new one when 3 cents worth of lead will accomplish the same thing?

RE: Balance problem
 

thanks Mike , i just added some weight to the nose. now if it would only stop raining....[sm=drowning.gif]

RE: Balance problem
 

Tail-heavy planes are twitchy. But being tail-heavy doesn't make a plane fly with its tail down. If that's what yours is doing, the reason isn't that it's tail-heavy. Check the incidence on your wing and stabilizer and the thrust line of your motor.

RE: Balance problem
 

I think Top Gunn is correct will it fly level if you hold down elevator. If so you just need down trim.

Oscar

RE: Balance problem
 

I agree with top gunn... if the plane was that tail heavy it would not stay on the balancer... check the control surfaces for the proper throws and the right direction of travel.
dan