To me I was amazed at the amount of "seasoned flyers" that told me, "with my trainer I did not have to worry about lateral balance". I realize that dihedral will tend to keep the plane level... but why not take a few extra minutes and do it right. I training, I was prone to tip stalls because I gave too much elevator at times. :eek: If I was off balance laterally it would have made my situation worse..... wouldn't it? ARFs can have the balance WAY off. In building my first kit this winter the right aileron weighed at LEAST twice that of the left because of the wood density. I could hardly get the CA hinge slots dug in. (I used the Harry Higley hinge slotter). I ended up putting 1/2 ounce of lead on the left wing tip. As a newbie last spring, and now, I take a lot of advice from experienced pilots....
BUT ... to you new guys out there..... balance laterally no matter what the other guys say about your trainer!!! It just cannot hurt anything, and may save your plane on a marginal take off or landing!!!! Just my opinion. ... lownslo

Bob

So Very True !
I balance all my planes laterally as well as the CG.
It's all part of having a correct set up.
I'm glad you brought the point up!

southerngent

I always thought it was standard procedure...Miraculously, the only plane I ever built that needed lateral adjustment was the AgWagon-what a process that airplane was!!

I've had the 'luck o' the Irish' with all my other planes though.

All planes should be balanced both ways .
If i find wood that is to dense a just replace it.
when i have the plane built i put all the gear in then balance it both ways . It's easer to add weight or sand down to get the balance right before you cover the plane.