What effect does an aft Center of Gravity have on flight stability?

When analyzing the effects of an aft center of gravity (CG) on flight stability, it's important to understand how CG location influences an aircraft's handling characteristics. With an aft CG, the aircraft tends to have a reduced stability in pitch. This means that it becomes more sensitive to pitch inputs and can lead to a higher likelihood of an aerodynamic stall occurring at a lower angle of attack.

An aft CG can increase stalling speed, as the tail of the aircraft is pushed upward relative to the wings. This results in the wings requiring a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight, making them more susceptible to entering a stall when the aircraft is in a sport or maneuvering condition. Thus, pilots may find that maintaining control is more difficult, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.

The increase in stalling speed associated with an aft CG is particularly significant because it can alter the aircraft's performance envelope, increasing the risk of a stall occurring unexpectedly. Therefore, understanding the impacts of CG location on stability and performance is crucial for safe flight operations.