At what CG position is aircraft stability typically compromised?

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The correct answer identifies that stability is typically compromised when the center of gravity (CG) is too far aft. When the CG is located near the rear limit of the aircraft, it can lead to a condition known as "negative stability." In this situation, any pitch change can result in a reduction of the aircraft's ability to recover from that change, making it harder to control.

An aft CG can cause the aircraft to be more sensitive to control inputs, and the risk of stalling increases, particularly during maneuvers. In contrast, a forward CG generally enhances stability because the aircraft’s nose will tend to pitch down, helping it to return to a more level attitude without pilot intervention.

While an aircraft’s maximum or minimum weight can affect performance and handling characteristics, it is the CG position that has a critical and direct impact on stability. Thus, understanding the importance of maintaining proper CG within specified limits is essential for safe flight operations.

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