Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / August 2004

I have a Pitts Special that I have inherited but I don't know what the C of
G is for it.  This model has an 79.5" upper wing span and a cord of 13.5".
It is approximately a40% scale model.  It is a very well done in the Holiday
Inn Aerobatic Team colors.  It was built from plans but I don't know who
drew up the plans and I can no longer ask.  I would hate to damage it so I
would rather not rely on my calculations alone.  Since the Pitts Special has
both staggered wings, and a swept back upper, but straight lower wing, I
would like to compare my calculations to what others have.  I figured that
the C of G should be at 55.9% of the upper wing (measured from the leading
edge at the root).

Can anyone give me the C of G they have for their Pitts Special models,
expressed in a percentage of the upper wing cord, measured at the root?  I
figure that as long as your models are built to scale I should be able to
translate your measurements to my model.

The one thing I hate the most when test flying a new (to me) model, is not
having confidence in the setup.  Especially when it is a model of this size
and power there is no way I would take it off the ground until I have full
confidence in the setup because it could simply cause to much damage, or
injury, if it went out of control.

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.