Which statement about Centre of Gravity is true?

• A. CG location has no effect on handling.
• B. CG must be within approved limits to maintain controllability and stability.
• C. CG is only important for fuel calculations.
• D. CG is determined by tail number.

Answer: (B)

Centre of Gravity is the aircraft’s balance point, the location where the entire weight of the airplane is considered to act. Its position relative to the wing and control surfaces directly influences how the airplane responds to control inputs and to aerodynamic forces. Keeping the CG within the approved limits is essential for controllability and stability because, if it’s too far forward, elevator effectiveness decreases and the aircraft can become harder to rotate and less responsive to pitch changes; if it’s too far aft, the airplane tends to be less stable and more difficult to control, especially in gusts or at low speeds. The manufacturer provides CG limits to ensure safe handling and predictable performance. The statement that CG must be within approved limits to maintain controllability and stability is the true one. The CG does affect handling, it isn’t only important for fuel calculations, and it isn’t determined by the tail number.