What effect does a more forward center of gravity (CG) have on aircraft stability?

A more forward center of gravity (CG) enhances the stability of an aircraft. This phenomenon is due to the relationship between the CG and the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft. When the CG is forward, the aircraft tends to have a greater moment arm available for pitch control, meaning that any nose-up or nose-down attitude changes are self-correcting to a certain extent. Essentially, if the aircraft pitches up, the increased lift at the wings causes a nose-down moment, helping to return the aircraft to its original attitude.

This increased stability is particularly beneficial during flight phases where disturbances may cause deviations from straight and level flight, as the aircraft will naturally return to its stable attitude. Conversely, a rearward CG can lead to decreased stability as the aircraft may respond more dramatically to pitch changes, making it more challenging to maintain controlled flight, especially in turbulent conditions.

Overall, understanding the impact of CG on aircraft stability is crucial for flight instructors, as it significantly influences the handling, safety, and performance characteristics of the aircraft being flown.