FAA Ground School Practice Test

In an airplane's flight dynamics, an aft CG typically results in:

1. Increased maneuverability

2. Improved stability

3. Decreased stall resistance

4. Reduced sensitivity to turbulence

The correct answer is: Decreased stall resistance

An aft center of gravity (CG) generally leads to decreased stall resistance, which is a crucial factor in flight dynamics. When the CG moves toward the rear of the aircraft, the aircraft becomes more stable in straight and level flight but less stable in stalls. This occurs because with an aft CG, the control effectiveness undergoes significant changes, leading to a reduced margin before the aircraft reaches the critical angle of attack. The implications of this are particularly important during slow flight or when approaching a stall condition. An aircraft with an aft CG may stall at a higher airspeed and can be more difficult to recover from a stall, as the control surfaces lose effective authority. Therefore, pilots must exercise more care when flying with an aft CG, especially during landing and takeoff phases where angles of attack are higher. In contrast, the roles of maneuverability, stability, and sensitivity to turbulence are influenced differently by CG positions. An aft CG can increase maneuverability, but it can compromise stability, particularly when disturbed by turbulence. Thus, understanding the nuances of CG placement is vital for ensuring safe flight operations.