Which statement best describes the effect of forward CG on elevator requirements?

Which statement best describes the effect of forward CG on elevator requirements?

• A. Increases back elevator pressure
• B. Decreases back elevator pressure
• C. No change
• D. Only with flaps extended

Answer: (A)

Forward center of gravity makes the aircraft more nose-heavy, increasing the nose-down pitch tendency. To hold level or rotate to a nose-up attitude, the elevator must produce a nose-up moment. That requires more aerodynamic load on the elevator, which the control system must counter with greater force in the backward direction. In other words, moving the CG forward raises the demand on the elevator, so back elevator pressure increases to trim or hold the desired pitch.

Forward center of gravity makes the aircraft more nose-heavy, increasing the nose-down pitch tendency. To hold level or rotate to a nose-up attitude, the elevator must produce a nose-up moment. That requires more aerodynamic load on the elevator, which the control system must counter with greater force in the backward direction. In other words, moving the CG forward raises the demand on the elevator, so back elevator pressure increases to trim or hold the desired pitch.