How does adding weight forward of the CG affect the balance of the aircraft?

Adding weight forward of the center of gravity (CG) directly impacts the aircraft's balance by causing the CG to move forward. The center of gravity is the point where the total weight of the aircraft is considered to act, and its location is crucial for maintaining stable flight characteristics.

When you introduce additional weight in front of the existing CG position, the overall distribution of weight shifts, resulting in a new forward CG location. This forward movement can influence the aircraft’s handling and stability; it may require the pilot to make adjustments to the control inputs due to altered aerodynamic characteristics.

Understanding the effects of weight distribution on the CG is vital, as proper balance is key to safe flight operations. This dynamic illustrates why it’s critical to assess weight placement during loading or modifications to ensure the aircraft remains within its design specifications for safe operation.