CENTER OF GRAVITY AND STABILITY

The total mass of the aircraft can be said to act through one point, called the Centre of Gravity (C.G.). The location of the C.G. determines the aircraft's stability and maneuverability. Beginning from the middle of the fuselage

• As the C.G. shifts towards the aircraft's nose, stability increases while maneuverability decreases.
• As the C.G. moves towards the tail, maneuverability improves, but stability diminishes.

A more stable aircraft is less controllable and vice versa. Excessive stability leads to higher control stick forces, making it more challenging for the pilot to manage. On the other hand, excessive maneuverability results in instability and difficulty in controlling the aircraft.

The effects of an aft C.G. position are the following:

1. Increases the Rate of Climb and the Climb gradient.
2. Decreases TORR, TODR, ASDR, thus MTOM can be increased.
3. The stick forces required will be less.
4. Rotation will be easier.
5. Stall speed decreases, which permits a higher ceiling altitude.
6. Makes flare easier during landing, thus decreasing LDR and increasing MLM.
7. Range and Endurance increase due to the decreased fuel consumption.