Weight and Balance

Contents

• Weight and Balance Basics
• CG Location
• Ballast Weight
• CG Shift

Weight and Balance

Proper weight and balance are critical for safe flight and optimal performance. The aircraft must remain within its center of gravity (CG) limits while not exceeding the maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) of 180 lbs. Fuel and payload are the primary factors affecting weight and balance, but the Falcon’s CG-centric fuel tank minimizes fuel's impact on balance.

Adding or adjusting payload weight requires balancing the aircraft with ballast weight to stay within the CG limit. Ballast weight can be mounted in the nose or tail. Always include ballast weight when calculating MGTOW.

CG Location

For simplicity, Falcon has been designated one recommended CG location instead of a range. The Falcon CG is located 8.125" behind the leading edge (LE) of the center wing and is marked on the underside of each tail boom. This corresponds to roughly 40% of the mean aerodynamic chord (MAC).

Weight and Balance Specs

Checking Balance

1. Assemble the aircraft on flat ground
2. Install batteries, do not connect.
3. Ensure all payloads are secure and mounted in their final location.
4. Place the aircraft on a balancing stand or hang the aircraft using the FLM balance plates and a hoist.
5. Observe which way the aircraft leans, nose heavy vs tail heavy, and add ballast weight as needed.
6. The aircraft must balance at the marked CG location.
7. Weigh the aircraft. This weight is known as the "dry weight." The difference between the dry weight and the MGTOW of 180 lbs is your remaining fuel capacity for that given aircraft configuration.
   Never exceed the MGTOW for flight.

CG Shift

The aircraft has a CG-centric fuel tank and experiences minimal shift due to fuel consumption.