User Manual

47
In order for your P-51 Mustang ARF to fly correctly, you
will need to check the balance of the plane. This is done
by supporting the aircraft either using your fingers, or by
using a balancing stand. Not checking the balance can
result in an aircraft that is difficult to fly, which can lead to
the possibility of crashing your model.
Marking the Balance Point
The first step in balancing your P-51 Mustang ARF is to
mark the location for the balance point. Measure back
4
1
/
2
" against the fuselage to the very front edge of the
wing, which is where the wing plugs into the fuselage.
Mark the location on both sides of the fuselage using a
felt-tipped pen to mark the balance location.
Lifting the Model and Observations
The P-51 Mustang ARF is balanced using either your
fingers or a balancing stand. The stand in the photo was
made from a dowel rod and a flat piece of wood. The
dowel was cut down and holes drilled in the wood, then
the dowel plugged into the wood. Use pencil erasers to
prevent the ends of the dowel from damaging your wing.
Place or lift the airplane so it is supported at the marks
made in the previous step. The plane will rest level when
balanced correctly. If not, weights must be added to
correct any balancing problems.
Balanced Correctly
Nose Heavy – Add Weight to Tail
Tail Heavy – Add Weight to Nose
Section 19: Balancing Your P-51 ARF