tech tips fo rmounting floats
06-06-2002, 12:31 PM
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tech tips fo rmounting floats
Locating the floats and setting the proper incidence is the most important step.
- First, note the ACTUAL CG point on your model. This is to be done with an empty tank and all landing gear/wheels attached. I'm assuming that the model has previously been flown and is flying to your liking. If your model is new or unflown, balance the model according to the Mfr's recommendation. Either way, mark the CG on the lower fuse side with a non-permanent marker.
- Set the model onto the floats so that the STEP is 1/2" behind the above marked CG location. The step acts just like the main wheels of a trike gear. The model rotates on the step, so an accurate placement of the step is very important.
- The tops of the floats need to be level at this point because we're going to check the wing incidence. Using an incidence meter verify that the wing has approx. +1-1/2 degrees incidence in relation to the tops of the floats. If not, shim or adjust the float struts until you do. The idea is that we want the wing to be "lifting" the model off of the water, not holding it down. Attach the floats and reverify the incidence. Also verify that the centerline of each float is parallel to the centerline of the model.
- Finally, fully assemble the model and recheck the CG. It will have probably changed a lot. Floats tend to make the model tail heavy. Add equal amounts of weight to each float until the CG has returned to the original (you marked it earlier) location. By adding the weight to the floats and not the model, it's an easy matter to swap the floats and wheels when you want to fly at the field or at the lake.
This same info can be found at:
http://www.greatplanes.com/faq/product-faq.html
- First, note the ACTUAL CG point on your model. This is to be done with an empty tank and all landing gear/wheels attached. I'm assuming that the model has previously been flown and is flying to your liking. If your model is new or unflown, balance the model according to the Mfr's recommendation. Either way, mark the CG on the lower fuse side with a non-permanent marker.
- Set the model onto the floats so that the STEP is 1/2" behind the above marked CG location. The step acts just like the main wheels of a trike gear. The model rotates on the step, so an accurate placement of the step is very important.
- The tops of the floats need to be level at this point because we're going to check the wing incidence. Using an incidence meter verify that the wing has approx. +1-1/2 degrees incidence in relation to the tops of the floats. If not, shim or adjust the float struts until you do. The idea is that we want the wing to be "lifting" the model off of the water, not holding it down. Attach the floats and reverify the incidence. Also verify that the centerline of each float is parallel to the centerline of the model.
- Finally, fully assemble the model and recheck the CG. It will have probably changed a lot. Floats tend to make the model tail heavy. Add equal amounts of weight to each float until the CG has returned to the original (you marked it earlier) location. By adding the weight to the floats and not the model, it's an easy matter to swap the floats and wheels when you want to fly at the field or at the lake.
This same info can be found at:
http://www.greatplanes.com/faq/product-faq.html
