Evaluation of Lateral Balance

[DannyR]

How do you evaluate the lateral balance (CG) of your planes? I have the Great Planes CG machine and have used it to balance my planes nose to tail. However, I recently installed landing gear on my Space Scooter and would like to ensure the lateral balance is ok. I am thinking about using the GP CG machine by sitting the fuseslage onto the CG machine's two balance pads. Any suggestions how to do lateral balance a different way would be appreciated. As would comments on the characteristics of a plane that is out of balance laterally?

Thanks

[Tom Harper]

Weigh the three points that contact the ground. Measure their distance from a Datum line and calculate the lateral CG.

((w1*d1)+(w2*d2)+(w3*d3))/(w1+w2+w3) = distance of cg from Datum line

[DannyR]

Weigh the three points that contact the ground. Measure their distance from a Datum line and calculate the lateral CG.

((w1*d1)+(w2*d2)+(w3*d3))/(w1+w2+w3) = distance of cg from Datum line

Thanks. I hung the plane on monofilment from the nose and tail and balanced it using finish nails. It worked great. Now to check the lateral balance dynamically (in flight).

Danny

[Tom Harper]

Good plan - keep it simple!