What must happen to maintain level flight with a CG at the forward limit?

• A. A download must be imposed on the horizontal stabilizer.
• B. The weight must be reduced.
• C. The throttle must be increased.
• D. Flaps must be extended.

Answer: (A)

To maintain level flight with the center of gravity (CG) at the forward limit, a download must indeed be imposed on the horizontal stabilizer. When the CG is located forward, it can lead to a nose-down tendency, which makes it more challenging to maintain stable flight.

In this scenario, the horizontal stabilizer, which is responsible for providing pitch stability and control, will have to create a downward force to counteract the nose-down tendency created by the forward CG. This requirement for additional download means that the angle of attack of the horizontal stabilizer must increase to generate more lift, which subsequently stabilizes the aircraft in level flight.

Conversely, when considering other options, reducing weight might improve performance but may not necessarily address the challenge presented by the forward CG in maintaining level flight. Increasing throttle could increase lift due to higher airspeed but does not solve the stability issue directly related to the CG position. Extending flaps generally increases lift but can also induce a nose-up pitch, which is counterproductive if the goal is to balance the aircraft with a forward CG.