The One Chief Object.
An even distribution of the load so as to assist in maintaining the
equilibrium of the machine, should be the one chief object in deciding
upon the location of the motor. It matters little what particular spot
is selected so long as the weight does not tend to overbalance the
machine, or to "throw it off an even keel." It is just like loading a
vessel, an operation in which the expert
seeks to so distribute the weight of the cargo as to keep the vessel in
a perfectly upright position, and prevent a "list" or leaning to one
side. The more evenly the cargo is distributed the more perfect will be
the equilibrium of
the vessel and the better it can be handled. Sometimes, when not
properly stowed, the cargo shifts, and this at once affects the position
of the craft. When a ship "lists" to starboard or port a preponderating
weight of the cargo has shifted sideways; if bow or stern is unduly
depressed it is a sure indication that the cargo has shifted
accordingly. In either event the handling of the craft becomes not only
difficult, but extremely hazardous. Exactly the same conditions prevail
in the handling of a flying machine.