What is the combined effect on cruising speed and stalling speed when the CG moves forward beyond the forward limit?

What is the combined effect on cruising speed and stalling speed when the CG moves forward beyond the forward limit?

• A. Cruising speed decreases; Stalling speed increases
• B. Cruising speed increases; Stalling speed decreases
• C. Both increase
• D. No change

Answer: (A)

Moving the center of gravity forward beyond the forward limit makes the airplane more stable in pitch, which changes trim forces and drag. To keep level flight with a more forward CG, the tail must push downward harder. That increased tail-down force adds drag, so for the same power the airplane can’t sustain as high a cruising speed. At the same time, the wing must provide more lift to balance the heavier nose-down moment (since the tail is pushing down more, the wing has to carry more of the weight). That means you reach a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight, bringing you nearer to the stall and increasing the stalling speed.

Moving the center of gravity forward beyond the forward limit makes the airplane more stable in pitch, which changes trim forces and drag. To keep level flight with a more forward CG, the tail must push downward harder. That increased tail-down force adds drag, so for the same power the airplane can’t sustain as high a cruising speed. At the same time, the wing must provide more lift to balance the heavier nose-down moment (since the tail is pushing down more, the wing has to carry more of the weight). That means you reach a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight, bringing you nearer to the stall and increasing the stalling speed.