If the 10-pound and 5-pound weights are moved farther aft from the CG, the center of gravity would move in which direction?

If the 10-pound and 5-pound weights are moved farther aft from the CG, the center of gravity would move in which direction?

• A. Forward
• B. Backward
• C. Aft
• D. Upward

Answer: (C)

The center of gravity shifts toward the tail when weights are moved farther aft because the balance point is the weighted average of all weight locations (CG = sum(weight × arm) / total weight). Moving heavy masses to positions behind the original CG increases the aft moments (moments toward the tail). Since those moments pull the balance point in the tailward direction, the CG moves aft. In short, relocating weights toward the tail makes the airplane balance further back along the fuselage.

The center of gravity shifts toward the tail when weights are moved farther aft because the balance point is the weighted average of all weight locations (CG = sum(weight × arm) / total weight). Moving heavy masses to positions behind the original CG increases the aft moments (moments toward the tail). Since those moments pull the balance point in the tailward direction, the CG moves aft. In short, relocating weights toward the tail makes the airplane balance further back along the fuselage.