After checking your engine performance and the radio operation, always make sure that your model is properly balanced before your first flight. It happens too often, unfortunately: Someone with a brand new airplane shows up at the field and has everything working perfectly. The radio checks out, and all the controls move in the correct directions; the engine runs reliably and provides plenty of power. The model taxis out and runs down the field and becomes airborne. Right away, it starts to rock its wings; the nose points up sharply; and after several frightening seconds, it hits the ground—hard! The ...
Center of Gravity Basics
