Balance The Model (C.g.); Balance The Model Laterally; Preflight; Identify Your Model - GREAT PLANES Electro Streak Instruction Manual

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the motor, prop,
electronic speed control, motor battery and the radio system.
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8"-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 3-9/16" [90mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing.
This is where your model should balance for your first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 3/16" [5mm] forward or 3/16" [5mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but it may
then require more speed for hand launch 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 for you to control. In any
case, start at the location we recommend and do not at any
time balance your model outside the recommended range.
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, and all parts of
the model installed (ready to fly), place the model right side
up on a Great Planes CG Machine, or lift it right side up at
the balance point you marked.
3. When the ElectroStreak ARF is properly balanced, the
stab will be level. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy"
and the motor battery 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 motor battery must be shifted
aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance. If possible,
relocate the motor battery to minimize or eliminate any
additional weight required. If additional weight is required,
use Great Planes (GPMQ4485) "stick-on" lead. A good
place to add stick-on nose weight is inside the front of the
fuselage. Begin by placing incrementally increasing
amounts of weight in the fuse 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 to the inside of the aft end of the fuselage. Make
sure the tail weight does not interfere with the movement of
the elevator pushrod.
If moving the motor battery forward or aft will balance the
plane without adding additional weight, mark the battery
tray or the fuselage inside where the aft end of the battery
should be placed. This will allow you to position the battery
correctly before each flight.
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

Balance the Model Laterally

1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the
model by the motor shaft and the bottom of the fuse under
the TE of the fin. Do this several times.
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it
means 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.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or
if you fly somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club
flying sites and AMA sanctioned flying events. Fill out the
identification tag on page 21 and place it on or inside
your model.
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