Level the fuse or the wing?

[nine 16]

If I am instructed to level my model at x distance from the LE, precisely what feature of the plane am I leveling? The fuse, the geometric plane defined by the bottom of the wing, or something else?

If the fuse is to be leveled, how is that accomplished with a PBY boat (or similar) that does not have discernable longitudinal fuse lines, or that may have several longitudinal linear fuse features that are not parallel to one another?

I'm guessing that one balancing/trimming goal might be for the plane to present the smallest frontal area when flying straight and level. Also, since many (all?) fuse's get smaller and smaller towards the tail feathers, is there not some room for tilting the rear of the plane up or down a little without violating the aforementioned smallest frontal area?

Sorry, back to the original question: What part of the plane is "leveled" when adjusting CG, the wing or the fuse, and how so?

Thanks
-Mark

[nmasters]

The CG is relative to the chord of the wing not the fuselage. The fusalage should balance level with the wing at the AoA for best glide.

-- Norm

[nine 16]

Thank you, Norm.

I interpret your comment as meaning that when I am balancing the plane while locating the CG, the chord line will be horizontal, at which time the longitudinal axis of the fuse is angled nose-downward x number of degrees. Then, in powered straight-and-level flight, or at least gliding, the fuse axis will be horizontal and the chord line will be angled LE-upward that same number of degrees. Is this an accurate characterization of your comment?

If the AoA is the angle between airflow and chord, is it the case that the AoA is equal to the angle between the fuse axis and the chord only during straight-and-level, and not during dives, climbs or turns?

I observe that some "simple" planes, like the Slow Stick I am putting together, have a readily apparent fuse axis and wing chord (since the wings are flat-bottomed), and that other planes have (as far as I can see) neither an immediately apparent fuse axis or chord line (since the wings look round-bottomed.) No response necessary; just thinking out loud.

Thanks for your time, Norm.
-Mark