What should a pilot understand about the relationship between CG position and stalling AOA?

Understanding the relationship between center of gravity (CG) position and stalling angle of attack (AOA) is crucial for pilots. The correct answer highlights that moving the CG forward can increase the stalling AOA.

When the CG is positioned farther forward, the aircraft's longitudinal stability increases, which in turn affects the aerodynamic behavior of the aircraft at higher angles of attack. A forward CG generally leads to a higher stalling AOA because the aircraft tends to pitch down less as it approaches a stall, allowing it to sustain a higher angle of attack before reaching that critical stall point. As a result, the aircraft remains controllable and stable longer than it would with an aft CG position.

In contrast, an aft CG can lower the stalling AOA and may lead to more abrupt stalls, making it essential for pilots to grasp how CG shifts impact performance and safety. Understanding this relationship significantly affects flight safety, particularly during takeoff and landing phases, when AOA is typically high.

Therefore, recognizing that moving the CG forward can indeed increase stalling AOA is vital for safe aircraft operation and effective flight management.