Balance The Model (C.g.) - Top Flite Cessna 182 ARF User Manual

your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend
setting the throws at the low rate setting for your first
few flights.
Note: The throws are measured at the widest part of
the elevators, rudder, ailerons and flaps.
These are the recommended control
surface throws:
HIGH RATE
ELEVATOR:
1-1/16" [27mm], 15° up
1-1/16" [27mm], 15° down
RUDDER:
1" [25mm], 15° left
1" [25mm], 15° right
AILERONS:
5/8" [16mm], 17° up
5/8" [16mm], 17° down
LOW RATE
ELEVATOR: 3/4" [19mm], 10° up
3/4" [19mm], 10° down
RUDDER: 5/8" [16mm], 9° left
5/8" [16mm], 9° right
AILERONS: 1/2" [13mm], 14° up
1/2" [13mm], 14° down
FLAPS
1/2 – 1" [25mm], 18° down
full – 2" [51mm], 36° down
IMPORTANT: To ensure a successful first flight, fly
your Cessna set up only according to the C.G. and
control surface throws specified in this manual. The
throws and C.G. are not arbitrary, but have been
determined through extensive testing and accurate
record-keeping. This provides you with the best
chance for success and enjoyable first flights that
should be surprise-free. Additionally, the throws
and C.G. shown are true, real data which will allow
the model to perform in the manner in which it was
intended when flown by a pilot of the skill level
for which it was intended. DO NOT OVERLOOK
THESE IMPORTANT PROCEDURES. A model
that is not properly set up may be unstable and
possibly unflyable.

BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)

At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly
condition with all of parts of the model installed in
place including the LiPo batteries (if applicable).
o
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to
accurately mark the C.G. on the bottom of the wing
on both sides of the fuselage. The C.G. is located
4-5/16" [110mm] back from the LE of the wing.
This is where your model should balance for the
first flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by
shifting the C.G. up to 5/16" [8mm] forward or 5/16"
[8mm] back to change the flying characteristics.
Moving the C.G. forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may then
require more speed for takeoff and make it more
difficult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft
makes the model more maneuverable, but could
also cause it to become too difficult to control. In
any case, start at the recommended balance
point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the specified range.
32
o
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts
of the model installed (ready to fly) and an empty
fuel tank, place the model on a Great Planes C.G.
Machine, or lift it at the balance point you marked.
o
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and
the battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted
forward or weight must be added to the nose to
balance. If the nose drops, the model is "nose heavy"
and the battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted
aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance.
If possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver to
minimize or eliminate any additional ballast required.
If additional weight is required, nose weight may be
easily added by using a "spinner weight" (GPMQ4645
for the 1 oz. [28g] weight, or GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz.
[57g] weight). If spinner weight is not practical or is
not enough, use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) "stick-
on" lead. A good place to add stick-on nose weight
is to the firewall (don't attach weight to the cowl–it
is not intended to support weight). Begin by placing
incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the
fuselage over the firewall until the model balances.
Once you have determined the amount of weight
required, it can be permanently attached. If required,
tail weight may be added by cutting open the bottom
of the fuselage and gluing it permanently inside.
Note: Do not rely upon the adhesive on the back of the
lead weight to permanently hold it in place. Over time,
fuel and exhaust residue may soften the adhesive
and cause the weight to fall off. Use #2 sheet metal
screws, RTV silicone or epoxy to permanently hold
the weight in place.