Dynaflite GPMA1052 Bird of Time - Manual (Page 14)

The C.G. (center of gravity) must be checked
when the model is ready to fly. All components
should be installed.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or narrow strips of tape
to mark the balance point on the bottom of the
wing 3-3/4" [95.3mm] from the leading edge of
the wing on both sides of the fuselage. Install
the wing on the model.
❏
2. Lift the model, right side up, at the balance
point you marked on the bottom of the wing.
We use the Great Planes CG Machine
™ . If the
nose drops the model is nose-heavy and you
must add weight to the tail. If the tail drops, the
model is tail-heavy and you must add weight to
the nose. In most cases you can relocate the
receiver and battery to achieve the correct
balance without adding additional weight.
❏
3. If additional weight is required to balance
the model, use small pieces of Great Planes stick-
on weight (GPMQ4485). If weight is required in
the tail, it can be stuck inside the servo
compartment. If weight is required in the nose,
use epoxy to hold it in place inside the nose.
❏
4. After placing weight on the model where
necessary, recheck the C.G. to confirm that it
is correct.
IMPORTANT: Do not confuse this
procedure with “checking the C.G.” or
“balancing the sailplane fore and aft.”
Now that the aircraft is complete, it's time to
balance the sailplane laterally (side-to-side).
❏
1. Mount the wing to the fuselage.
❏
2. With the wing level, carefully lift the
model by the nose and the aft end of the
fuselage under the stab (this may require two
people). Do this several times.
❏
3. If one wing always drops when you lift the
model, that side is heavy. Balance the sailplane
by gluing weight inside the other wing tip with
epoxy. A sailplane that has been laterally
balanced will track better in straight and
level flight, loops and other maneuvers.
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 17
and place it on or inside your model.
Identify Your Model
Balance the Model Laterally
3-3/4" [95.3mm]
IMPORTANT:
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance
point) can have the greatest effect on how
the model flies and may determine whether
or not your first flight will be successful. If you
value this model, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS
IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A model that is
not properly balanced will be unstable and
possibly unflyable.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
14