What is the effect of increased forward CG on stall speed?

What is the effect of increased forward CG on stall speed?

• A. Decreases stall speed
• B. No change in stall speed
• C. Increases stall speed
• D. Varies by aircraft

Answer: (C)

Increased forward center of gravity (CG) affects stall speed by increasing it. When the CG is positioned further forward, it shifts the aircraft’s balance point, requiring more elevator authority to maintain level flight, especially at lower speeds. This increased tail downforce results in a higher angle of attack at which the stall occurs. As the angle of attack becomes more critical for maintaining lift, the aircraft reaches its stall speed sooner when the CG is forward, thereby resulting in an increase in stall speed. This characteristic is crucial for pilots to understand, as it impacts the handling and performance of the aircraft during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. Consequently, knowing the position of the CG and its influence on stall speed helps in ensuring safe flight operations and performance assessments.

Increased forward center of gravity (CG) affects stall speed by increasing it. When the CG is positioned further forward, it shifts the aircraft’s balance point, requiring more elevator authority to maintain level flight, especially at lower speeds. This increased tail downforce results in a higher angle of attack at which the stall occurs.

As the angle of attack becomes more critical for maintaining lift, the aircraft reaches its stall speed sooner when the CG is forward, thereby resulting in an increase in stall speed. This characteristic is crucial for pilots to understand, as it impacts the handling and performance of the aircraft during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. Consequently, knowing the position of the CG and its influence on stall speed helps in ensuring safe flight operations and performance assessments.