Question for Onyx owners

[davidjensen]

Did your Onyx come with the tow hook slot already cut in the fuse? I got one from a friend who did a bad job of set up and I'm trying to get it set up correctly. The tow hook slot is cut in the fuse and I put the CG 3/32" behind the tow hook which is moved all the way forward for starters. I have read the CG should be 4" from the LE but this is in front of the tow hook which is about 4 1/4" back of the LE? I'm thinking the friend cut in the tow hook slot in the wrong place. I flew the plane and it does not feel nose heavy and does pull out of a dive much more than I think it should after I had it trimed for moderate speed level flight. The CG is almost 4 1/2" back of the leading edge which looks about 45% of the cord. The plane did not feel elevator sensitive and the yaw response is weak as are the ailerons. The ship just does not fly right.

[TomV]

Dave,

Just got my Onyx lite flying last weekend. It flys great. From what I've read on your CG settings it sounds like your CG is too far back. My CG is set to 4" behind the LE. My tow hook is slightly in front of that so around 3.85" from LE. Rebalance your Onyx and I think you will be happy with its performance.

Tom.....Harbor Soaring

[mlee8249]

Hi David,

I agree with Tom, move the CG forward. This might cause some discomfort with the towhook position for you, as it will get pretty hairy for some pilots as it goes back behind the CG. I assume you really don't savvy cutting the hole for the towhook bigger than it is. Don't blame you, but your choice is you make the hole bigger and get it right, you leave it and fly a hairy bird on launch, or you do nothing at all and remain disappointed with the bird. You didn't mention which Onyx model you have and I think it may be the Onyx L, all molded. If so, you definitely need to get the CG a bit more forward, to about 4-1/4 inch. My Onyx L weighs in at a paltry 66 ounces, which is an ounce lighter than my current Lazurite. Both birds use the same wing, other than the Onyx has a longer center section to make 134 inches versus 124. But, the Lazurite flies slower in the cruise...go figure.

Mike Lee

[davidjensen]

I agree with the CG. Further testing shows no pull up from a dive. I plan on cutting the tow hook slot forward and setting the CG at 4.2" with the tow hook 1/8" in front of that. This Onyx has the built up stab and fully moulded wing. It now wieghs in at 74oz.