What is the purpose of center of gravity (CG) limits?

The purpose of center of gravity (CG) limits is to ensure that the aircraft is balanced and stable in flight. The CG is the point at which the weight of the aircraft is concentrated and affects the aircraft’s stability, control, and performance. If the CG is out of limits, it can lead to issues such as difficulty in controlling the aircraft, increased stall tendency, impaired performance, and potential structural failure.

When the CG is within the specified limits, the aircraft behaves predictably and can be controlled effectively, resulting in safe flight. Balancing the aircraft correctly contributes to ensuring that control surfaces are effective and that the aircraft responds appropriately to pilot inputs. Stability is further enhanced as it reduces the tendency for the aircraft to pitch up or down excessively.

Other options discuss aspects like fuel efficiency, operational range, and landing distances; while these may be influenced by the distribution of weight within the aircraft, they are not the primary purpose of CG limits. The main focus remains on maintaining a balanced and stable flight environment, which is critical for the safety and handling characteristics of the aircraft.