If the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is moved from the aft limit to beyond the forward limit, how are cruising and stalling speeds affected?

• A. Both cruising and stalling speeds increase
• B. Only cruising speed increases
• C. Decrease cruising speed and increase stalling speed
• D. No change in speeds

Answer: (C)

When the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is moved from the aft limit to beyond the forward limit, the effects on cruising and stalling speeds can be understood by considering how CG position affects aircraft performance.

The position of the CG is critical for maintaining the stability and control of the aircraft. When the CG is moved forward, the aircraft becomes more stable but less maneuverable. This increased stability can lead to higher stalling speeds because a forward CG position typically requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight, which increases the likelihood of reaching stall conditions at a higher speed.

On the other hand, the increase in the forward CG position also affects the cruising speed. A forward CG generally results in increased drag due to the need for greater control input to maintain level flight, which can reduce the efficiency of the aircraft, thus decreasing the effective cruising speed.

Therefore, in this scenario, moving the CG from the aft limit beyond the forward limit results in a decrease in cruising speed while concurrently causing an increase in stalling speed, making the understanding of CG influence on aircraft performance crucial for safe operation.