Build and trim a glider
⏱ 20 min
A simple balsa or foam glider teaches the same principles as a full-size aircraft.
- Balance (centre of gravity) — the glider should balance at about one-third of the wing chord from the leading edge. Add modelling clay to the nose if it is tail-heavy.
- Dihedral — raise both wing tips a little so it rolls back level by itself.
- Straight — check the wings are not twisted and the fin is vertical.
- Test glide over long grass: launch gently, nose slightly down, into the wind.
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Stalls (climbs, slows, drops) | Add nose weight or bend the elevator trailing edge slightly down |
| Dives | Remove a little nose weight or bend elevator slightly up |
| Turns too sharply | Straighten the rudder; check the wing for warps |