What happens to the characteristics of an aircraft if its weight CG shifts excessively?

When the center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft shifts excessively, it can lead to increased control difficulty. The CG is the point at which the aircraft’s weight is evenly distributed. If the CG moves outside the design limits, it can impact the aircraft's stability and control.

For instance, if the CG shifts too far forward, it can make the aircraft nose-heavy, requiring more effort on the controls to maintain level flight and resulting in a longer takeoff distance. Conversely, if the CG shifts too far aft (towards the tail), it can lead to a nose-up attitude and potentially make the aircraft prone to stalls, as well as complicating recovery from certain flight situations. In both cases, pilots may experience challenges in maneuvering the aircraft effectively, illustrating how an excessive shift in weight CG can lead to a more difficult flying experience.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots and engineers alike, as managing the CG within safe limits is necessary for the safety and performance of the aircraft.