Moving the CG Aft on my Flyzone (ST Models) 56.6" Seawind - Test Flight - Jan 2, 2016

Ever since I first saw my neighbor's Seawind model in flight, I recognized a Center of Gravity (CG) sensitivity of this craft. Repeated video viewings of both the small and the full-scale craft continued to confirm my stance regarding CG placment on the Seawinds. But, to get the CG into an optimal placement on this craft, I had to address a serious tip-stall on low-speed, high-alpha landings. Most of my research and trials were performed on my ElectriFly Seawind model with great success. I was very successful in removing the tip-stall proneness with the addition of full leading edge vortex generators (VG's). The VG's then permitted me to move the CG far aft of the recommendatins of Great Planes, ElectriFly. That combination permited my ElectriFly Seawind to touchdown on the water, tail-first, at low-speed and a low decent rate, resulting in perfect, bounce-free landings every time without fear of tip-stalls and swamped electronics. Fast forward to my new, Flyzone Seawind. The determination of VG installation and aft CG were determined long before the November announcement of the Flyzone Seawind's December release. I ordered the VG kit the same evening that I placed the order for the Flyzone Seawind and both were on my doorstep days later. I can not comment on the Flyzone Seawind performance without the VG's, as mine has never flown without them. Additionally, the Flyzone Seawind model is supplied with Fowler flaps and individual aileron servo motors. In combining flaperon mixing and aggressive flaps, the "under-cambered" wing provides some awesome low-speed handling characteristics and the VG's help guarantee that the wing performs reliably all the way to touchdown, regardless of the angle-of-attack. Unfortunately, this model's physical layout does not permit full flexibility in CG adjustment through battery placement alone. The servo motors and servo motor tray placement and design prevent the battery to be placed as far aft for full CG range adjustment. After a number of flights in the "mid" range CG placement, I was still convinced that my Flyzone Seawind could benefit with a more aft place CG. I cried, "Uncle!" Reluctantly, I conceded to placing ballast in the tail of my Flyzone Seawind. To achieve CG at the aft-most recommendation of 2.75", I needed to place 2.3 ounces of ballast in the tail-most portion of my craft. I hate adding weight. But, I hate a nose-heavy craft more. so, I added the ballast and took the five minute test flight that you see here. The snow covered surface made for a perfect test surface, as a tip-stall on landing wasn't going to swamp electronics. As you'll see, the plane's slow-flight characteristics were excellent and very predictable. High alpha could easily be achieved at low airspeed to the point of wing-rock. A high-altitude test of inverted flight proved to be elevator-neutral and well behaved. At this point, I'm going to call the aft-most recommended CG of 2.75" on my model "perfect" for my flying style and for my setup. I'm predicting many beautiful water touch-downs come the spring of 2016. Thank you for sharing another adventure of my "Snowwind". Glenn