Most planes center of gravity should fall near the main spar, about 25-33% back from the leading edge of the wing. Balancing where the plans say is sufficient for most models - but for precision aerobatic planes, a couple of tests can yield even more precise results. Hint: These tests are not useful for planes without at fairly symmetric airfoils. No matter what you do, a Kadet Senior will not fly inverted like it does upright. These tests assume that your plane doesn't care which way it's pointed!
To Test For... Do this... Look for this...
And Adjust This... Center of gravity
(Method #2)
What about lateral balancing? Here's a coarse test that works on most planes.
To Test For... Do this... Look for this...
And Adjust This... lateral balance
Next month... we'll continue to explore ways you can make your plane fly even better!