With an aft Center of Gravity, how does stall speed compare to normal?

With an aft Center of Gravity, how does stall speed compare to normal?

• A. Stall speed is higher than normal
• B. Stall speed is unaffected
• C. Stall speed is reduced
• D. Stall speed is erratic

Answer: (C)

When an aircraft has an aft center of gravity (CG), the stall speed is reduced due to the changes in the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane. This occurs because a more aft CG moves the center of lift closer to the CG, which allows for greater pitch stability. As a result, the aircraft can maintain level flight at a lower angle of attack, effectively reducing the speed at which the wings reach their critical angle of attack and stall. Additionally, with the CG further back, the aircraft is often more prone to a nose-up attitude, which can further decrease the stall speed. Consequently, pilots need to be aware that while the stall speed is lowered, it may also affect handling characteristics, such as increased sensitivity to control inputs and potentially leading to a more abrupt stall if the aircraft is not managed properly. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for flight safety, particularly when configuring the aircraft for different phases of flight or loading scenarios.

When an aircraft has an aft center of gravity (CG), the stall speed is reduced due to the changes in the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane. This occurs because a more aft CG moves the center of lift closer to the CG, which allows for greater pitch stability. As a result, the aircraft can maintain level flight at a lower angle of attack, effectively reducing the speed at which the wings reach their critical angle of attack and stall.

Additionally, with the CG further back, the aircraft is often more prone to a nose-up attitude, which can further decrease the stall speed. Consequently, pilots need to be aware that while the stall speed is lowered, it may also affect handling characteristics, such as increased sensitivity to control inputs and potentially leading to a more abrupt stall if the aircraft is not managed properly.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for flight safety, particularly when configuring the aircraft for different phases of flight or loading scenarios.