T-6A Aerodynamics 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A forward center of gravity positively influences flight stability because it enhances the aircraft's tendency to return to its original flight attitude after experiencing disturbances. With a forward center of gravity, the moment arm about the center of gravity (CG) is reduced when compared to a more rearward position. This means that if the aircraft encounters turbulence or an uncommanded pitch disturbance, the restoring forces are more effective, encouraging the aircraft to level out.

In practice, a forward CG makes the aircraft less prone to pitch up or down excessively, leading to a more stable flight experience. The wings are designed to produce lift and maintain control at a specific angle of attack, and having the CG further forward helps maintain this optimal angle more effectively during various maneuvers.

In contrast, a rearward center of gravity typically leads to a less stable flight profile, as it can make the aircraft feel "tail-heavy" and more responsive to inputs, which can sometimes lead to over-control and difficulty in returning to a desired flight path. Thus, the positioning of the center of gravity is a critical factor in ensuring predictable and manageable handling characteristics in flight.