Ever wonder how an airplane’s center of gravity affects its stability? Regardless of size or shape, all objects have a center of gravity. It’s the point where the object’s weight is concentrated and, thus, acts as a balancing point.
Like all objects, airplanes have a center of gravity. It’s essentially the point where the airplane’s weight is evenly distributed in all directions. The center of gravity will affect the airplane’s performance in several ways, including its stability, handling and stall characteristics. In some cases, an improper center of gravity can make airplanes unsafe to fly.
Forward Center of Gravity
If the center of gravity is too forward, the airplane will be “nose-heavy.” The point where the airplane’s weight is evenly distributed in all directions will be near the front or nose of the airplane. As a result, the airplane will become more stable, but it will also be harder to turn or raise the airplane’s nose.
Airplanes with a forward center of gravity will also have a higher stall speed. The stall speed is the minimum speed at which an airplane must fly to maintain flight. If an airplane drops below its stall speed, it will stall. The angle of attack will be too high, resulting in a loss of altitude. With a forward center of gravity, the wings must work harder to produce lift. The end result is a higher stall speed.
Aft Center of Gravity
While some airplanes have a center of gravity that’s too forward, others have a center of gravity that’s too far back. This is known as an aft center of gravity. It occurs when the weight of the airplane is concentrated near the tail. Airplanes with an aft center of gravity are essentially “tail-heavy.”
With an aft center of gravity, airplanes are less stable. They can feel more responsive to turns and maneuvers, but they are also less stable during flight.
An aft center of gravity can lower stall speeds. It allows airplanes to fly at slower speeds while maintaining flight level. With that said, it also makes stalls more difficult to recover from. Pilots may struggle to recover from stalls if the airplane has an aft center of gravity.
A benefit of an aft center of gravity is improved fuel efficiency. It reduces the drag to which airplanes are exposed, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The downside, of course, is that an aft center of gravity makes airplanes less stable.
