How does the location of the center of gravity (CG) affect aircraft stability?

The location of the center of gravity (CG) is crucial in determining an aircraft's stability, particularly its longitudinal stability. When the CG is positioned forward, it generally enhances stability due to the increased moment arm between the CG and the center of lift. A forward CG means that the weight of the aircraft is located closer to the nose, which tends to create a restoring moment when the aircraft experiences a disturbance in pitch. This means that if the aircraft is pushed nose-up, the weight naturally wants to pull the nose back down, helping the aircraft to return to its original flight attitude.

In contrast, an aft CG can lead to decreased stability because it makes the aircraft more prone to pitch oscillations. This means the aircraft could become more challenging to control, as the restoration forces are diminished or can even lead to a situation where the aircraft does not return to the original attitude effectively. Therefore, having a forward CG optimizes stability and control, essential aspects for safe flight operations.

The understanding of CG positioning is fundamental for pilots in ensuring that the aircraft operates within safe and controllable parameters, particularly during maneuvers and varying flight conditions.