Agrav8ed

I have a generalized question. How many of you balance your tailerons on the F16/F18 type of planes? Is this a crucial factor or just one of preference? I have flown these type of planes in the past with smaller models foamie type models without balancing, but nothing in the larger turbine sizes. I was just wondering how effective it is for our hobby.
Thanks,
Tone

Smokeyr67

I’m completely OCD, I balance everything, but I do realise that static balancing control surfaces on airframes “our size” is a bit of a waste of time.

As long as your hinges are strong, gaps are small, then you’ll be ok. But don’t let my OCD interfere with yours, balance as you see fit, and have fun doing it 😂😂

RCFlyerDan

My Feedback: (54)

BVM 1/6th F16 came out with a counter balance weight mod on the earlier models. I guess it was to prevent flutter. My guess it isn't good to be too tail heavy. There are two different balances. Static balanced on the stab spline, and aerodynamic balance.

Basspilot

I don't balance to neutral but I do add counterweight to help with static load on the servo.

Viper1GJ

My Feedback: (20)

I've always static balanced mine even the foamies. Takes lots of load off servos when bouncing around on ground. I figured it could not hurt. Never had flutter or failure in many years.
Gary

Agrav8ed

Thanks for the information. I was on the fence with balancing the elevator whuch would add tail weight and would need to be balanced versus just leaving them stock. However it seems the benefits of balancing the elevator and decreasing the stress on the servo outweigh the weight addition.
thanks,
Tone

ravill

My Feedback: (11)

I've had tons of 16/18's and no static balancing.

Like stated above (and I'm paraphrasing here), you do you booboo!!