FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Performance, Weight and BalanceMedium
An aircraft is loaded such that its center of gravity (CG) is located at the forward limit. During flight, the pilot notices that the aircraft is difficult to rotate for takeoff and requires excessive back pressure to maintain altitude. What is the most likely cause?
- AThe aircraft is loaded with an aft CG.
- BThe aircraft is loaded with a forward CG.
- CThe aircraft is experiencing a high density altitude condition.
- DThe aircraft is overloaded.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The aircraft is loaded with a forward CG.
A forward CG condition makes an aircraft nose-heavy, requiring more elevator deflection (back pressure) to rotate for takeoff and to maintain level flight. This also increases stall speed and makes recovery more difficult.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. An aft CG would make the aircraft unstable and prone to pitching up, not difficult to rotate or requiring excessive back pressure.
- C. Incorrect. High density altitude reduces overall performance but doesn't directly cause a 'difficult to rotate' or 'excessive back pressure' condition related to CG.
- D. Incorrect. Overloading affects performance but doesn't specifically cause difficulty rotating or excessive back pressure due to CG location.
Forward CG Effects
The consequences of an aircraft's center of gravity being located too far forward, often leading to increased stability but reduced control authority.
- Requires more elevator deflection (back pressure) for rotation and pitch control.
- Increased stall speed.
- Increased drag and reduced cruise performance.
- Improved longitudinal stability.
Memory trick: Forward CG: Nose-heavy and hard to lift.