Why is the location of the CG critical for aircraft safety?

The location of the center of gravity (CG) is crucial for aircraft safety because it significantly affects the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. The CG determines how the aircraft will respond to control inputs and how it behaves in flight. If the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to undesirable flight characteristics such as poor handling, increased stall risk, or difficulty in recovering from a stall.

For example, if the CG is too far forward, the aircraft may become nose-heavy, which can result in requiring more elevator input to maintain level flight and potentially leading to increased stall speeds. Conversely, a CG that is too far aft can make the aircraft tail-heavy, which can cause stability issues and make it difficult to control.

Ensuring the CG is within specified limits is fundamental to achieving optimal stability, control, and performance, which ultimately contributes to the overall safety of the flight. Properly managing the CG allows pilots to maintain the aircraft’s design performance and handling characteristics throughout various phases of flight.