Great video and information, thank you. I am just setting mine up and going through the CG issue you mention. So what was your final nose weight you added and the CG you used please?
Start with 1.5 lbs under the engine box. Be sure to add 4 "L" brackets, 2 each side between the firewall and box. It will likely be a bit nose heavy, but pretty close. Remove weight as needed for your preference. I like to test with a knife edge left bank pass. If nose heavy, it will track away from you and visa versa. Good luck!
Sorry, I finally figured out how to allow comments. I had an engine for this plane but decided to get the DLE-60 twin as the designer said he built the plane around the engine and that there would be no need for additional weight to balance. Using the balance tool provided in the kit, I had to add FOUR POUNDS to the nose to get the tail level. My maiden flight was horribly nose heavy. After removing weight over the course of several more flights, i got it dialed in. I removed 4 more oz after this video and am now really happy with the way it's tracking. Total weight attached to the underside of the engine box is 2 pounds. It's a lot of additional weight and I found a stress fracture on one side, so I added "L" brackets to re-secure it. I'm really unhappy with being misled by the designer (see video on Horizonhobby.com), but enjoying the airplane. I plan to suspend the plane again using the provided balancing tool and measure the angle of the elevator in reference to level. I will then come back here and post that measurement in case any of you plan to get one of these. Lastly, I built a platform for the smoke pump, battery, and tank and mounted it directly over the CG, so this weight is neutral in reference to the 2 pounds added. Total weight dry is 25.0 pounds. Happy flying!!
Great video and information, thank you. I am just setting mine up and going through the CG issue you mention. So what was your final nose weight you added and the CG you used please?
Start with 1.5 lbs under the engine box. Be sure to add 4 "L" brackets, 2 each side between the firewall and box. It will likely be a bit nose heavy, but pretty close. Remove weight as needed for your preference. I like to test with a knife edge left bank pass. If nose heavy, it will track away from you and visa versa. Good luck!
Sorry, I finally figured out how to allow comments. I had an engine for this plane but decided to get the DLE-60 twin as the designer said he built the plane around the engine and that there would be no need for additional weight to balance. Using the balance tool provided in the kit, I had to add FOUR POUNDS to the nose to get the tail level. My maiden flight was horribly nose heavy. After removing weight over the course of several more flights, i got it dialed in. I removed 4 more oz after this video and am now really happy with the way it's tracking. Total weight attached to the underside of the engine box is 2 pounds. It's a lot of additional weight and I found a stress fracture on one side, so I added "L" brackets to re-secure it. I'm really unhappy with being misled by the designer (see video on Horizonhobby.com), but enjoying the airplane. I plan to suspend the plane again using the provided balancing tool and measure the angle of the elevator in reference to level. I will then come back here and post that measurement in case any of you plan to get one of these. Lastly, I built a platform for the smoke pump, battery, and tank and mounted it directly over the CG, so this weight is neutral in reference to the 2 pounds added. Total weight dry is 25.0 pounds. Happy flying!!