Balance The Model (C.g.); Balance The Model Laterally - GREAT PLANES Revolver 50W Instruction Manual

These are the recommended control surface throws:
LOW RATE
Up & Down
1/2"
[13mm] 6°
Right & Left
2-3/4"
[70 mm] 19°
Up & Down
5/8"
[16 mm] 12°

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a model
fl ies and could determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will
be successful. If you value your model and wish to enjoy it
for many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced may
be unstable and possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition with
all of the components in place including the complete radio
system, engine, muffl er, propeller, spinner and pilot.
❏
1. If using a Great Planes C.G. Machine, set the rulers to
7-7/8" [200mm]. If not using a C.G. Machine, use a fi ne-point
felt tip pen to mark lines on the top of the wing at both sides of
the fuselage 7-7/8" [200mm] back from the leading edge. Apply
narrow (1/16" [2mm]) strips of tape over the lines so you will
be able to feel them when lifting the model with your fi ngers.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G. 5/8"
[16mm] forward or 5/8" [16mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model will then be less
aerobatic (which may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots).
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable
and aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case, start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
HIGH RATE
Up & Down
3/4"
[19 mm] 10°
Right & Left
3-1/4"
[83mm] 22°
Up & Down
7/8"
[ 22mm] 17°
❏
model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty fuel tank, place
the model upside-down on a Great Planes CG Machine, or
lift it upside-down at the balance point you marked.
❏
the battery pack and/or receiver forward to get the model to
balance. If the nose drops, the model is "nose heavy." If possible,
move the battery pack and/or receiver aft. If the receiver and/
or battery cannot be moved, or if additional weight is still
required, nose weight or tail weight may be easily added by
using Great Planes "stick-on" lead (GPMQ4485). To fi nd out
how much weight is required, place incrementally increasing
amounts of weight on the bottom of the fuselage over the
location where it would be mounted inside until the model
balances. A good place to add stick-on nose weight is to the
fi rewall. Do not attach weight to the cowl—this will cause the
mounting screws to open up the holes in the cowl. Once you
have determined the amount of weight required, it can be
permanently attached.
Note: If mounting weight where it may be exposed to fuel
or exhaust, do not rely upon the adhesive on the back to
permanently hold it in place. Over time, fuel and exhaust
residue may soften the adhesive and cause the weight to fall
off. Instead, permanently attach the weight with glue or screws.
❏
recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
❏
model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom of the
fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.
❏
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.
26
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy." If possible, move
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any weight,

Balance the Model Laterally

1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means