Weight and Balance

Centre of Gravity (C of G)

The Centre of Gravity (C of G) is the point through which the total weight of the aircraft is considered to act.

It is also the point at which the aircraft would balance if it could be suspended freely.

The C of G position is normally measured from a specified datum, such as:

• the nose
• firewall
• leading edge of the wing

The position of the C of G depends on the distribution of:

• aircraft empty weight
• pilot and passengers
• baggage
• fuel
• other equipment or payload

C of G Range

The C of G range is the permitted range between the forward and aft C of G limits within which the aircraft may be safely operated.

For an aircraft to be correctly balanced for flight:

The C of G must be within the approved limits.

The C of G position is critical because it affects the aircraft's:

• stability
• controllability
• stall characteristics
• take-off and landing behaviour

Forward C of G

With the C of G towards the forward limit, the aircraft is generally more longitudinally stable but requires greater control force to raise the nose.

If the C of G is too far forward:

• the aircraft may feel nose heavy
• greater elevator force may be required
• rotation on take-off may be difficult
• it may be difficult or impossible to raise the nose sufficiently during the landing flare