We at the field have a difference of opinion as to where to balance a plane. I like to balance mine off my finger tips , like alot of the old guys do. I would like to get some input on a low wing aircraft as where to balance it. It says in some mannuals to balance it up side down, but seems to me with the pendelum affect it is not as accurate as right side up since the plane flys that way. What do you think ? I would like to get some opinions on this. Thanks , Gary Mpls.

if the manual says to balance it upside down, I balance it upside down on my finger tips.

I'm one of the "old guys" (flying R/C since 1953) and I have always balanced low wing planes inverted. The pendulum effect causes balancing to become very inaccurate if you don't.

Most sport planes can be balanced on your finger tips but I don't do that either as balance can be off as much as 1/2" this way. I use a home made jig similar to the Great Planes Balancer but I fly with CG back as far as I am able without having a plane that doesn't fly right.

.......my CG machine is a block of wood with two upright 1/4" dowels. I place a pencil eraser (the type with the wedge) atop each dowel. Position the wedge so it runs in-board to out-board and it'll pin-point the CG. once you balance the plane atop the jig.

Woks like a champ!

A LOT depends on dihedral.

If you're plane has a fair amount of dihedral, and you are balancing it at the wingtips, the pendulum effect will most likely favor balancing upright, whereas the same plane balanced at the wing root, will want to balance upside down.

It's simple really, if your CG is close, and the plane keeps wanting to flip over... flip it over.