How is the "CG range" for an aircraft established?

The "CG range," or center of gravity range, for an aircraft is established primarily through flight testing and performance evaluation. This process involves a series of tests that assess how the aircraft performs under different loading conditions and configurations.

During these tests, engineers and test pilots gather data on various flight characteristics, including stability, control, and handling qualities. By analyzing this data, they can determine the limits within which the center of gravity can be varied while still ensuring safe and effective flight dynamics. This empirical approach allows for the establishment of a practical and reliable CG range that reflects real-world flying conditions.

While manufacturer recommendations can provide guidance and theoretical calculations can support the data, the definitive establishment of the CG range relies on the practical insights gained from actual flight testing. This ensures that the aircraft will behave as expected across various load configurations in operational scenarios, not merely in theory.