What is the effect of a forward CG on aircraft handling?

A forward center of gravity (CG) alters the handling characteristics of an aircraft significantly. When the CG is located forward, it enhances stability, which means the aircraft will return to a straight-and-level flight condition more readily after being disturbed by external factors such as turbulence.

However, this increased stability often comes at the cost of responsiveness. The aircraft may feel less agile, requiring more control input to achieve the same maneuverability as it would with a CG located further aft. Pilots may find that the aircraft does not turn as quickly or respond as sharply to control inputs, which can affect overall performance during maneuvers.

The other options do highlight various aspects of CG positioning, such as stall speed and takeoff characteristics, but they do not capture the essence of how a forward CG primarily influences aircraft handling. While a forward CG can indeed increase stall speed and provide stable handling, the response to control inputs becomes less effective, which is a critical factor pilots must understand when evaluating aircraft performance.