The longitudinal stability of an aircraft is primarily dependent on which two factors?

The longitudinal stability of an aircraft is primarily influenced by the wing location and the center of gravity (CG) position.

When the wing is located higher on the fuselage, it can effectively help in managing the pitching moments, especially during various flight conditions. The distance of the CG from the wing's lift vector is crucial as well; if the CG is too far forward or too far aft, it can lead to stability issues. A forward CG can enhance longitudinal stability by increasing the ability of the aircraft to return to its original flight attitude after a disturbance. Conversely, an aft CG can diminish stability and may lead to difficulties in controlling the aircraft.

Together, the position of the wing relative to the aircraft’s CG significantly impacts the balance and stability of the aircraft, making this option the most accurate choice regarding factors influencing longitudinal stability. Other factors, such as weight distribution, tail structure, and aerodynamic properties, play roles in overall aircraft performance but are not the primary determinants of longitudinal stability in the way that wing location and CG position are.