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How to Find the Center of Gravity on an RC Plane

The physical attributes of your radio-controlled (RC) airplane will directly impact the overall performance of the aircraft. One of the most important aspects of the airplane is its center of gravity. This point is where all forces exerted on the aircraft are equal. Finding this point is essential to balancing your aircraft. Learning how to find your airplane's center of gravity will enable you to adjust your aircraft and maximize its performance.

Things You'll Need

Airplane
Measuring tape
Marker

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the wing chord of the aircraft --- the width of the wing from the leading (front) edge to the back edge (not the distance of the wingtip to the body).
- 2
  Divide this figure by 3 to calculate one-third of that length. Place three tiny dots with the marker on the wing to indicate three-thirds.
- 3
  The center of gravity is located along the first dot from the leading edge. Draw a line across the airplane's fuselage to outline this point along the wing. Measure the width of the plane's fuselage. The center of gravity appears at the center of the fuselage where it intersects the line you traced from the wings.

Aviation