If load is not properly balanced, what happens to moment and CG?

• A. It has no effect on CG if luggage is within limits.
• B. It only affects vertical stability but not CG.
• C. It makes the nose heavier but not affects stability.
• D. It moves the CG, altering stability and elevator effectiveness; improper balance can cause control difficulties.

Answer: (D)

Balancing loads determines where the center of gravity sits along the airplane. Each item of weight creates a moment about the aircraft’s reference point, and the CG is the weighted average of all those moments. If luggage or fuel isn’t placed within limits, the distribution shifts the CG forward or aft. A forward CG increases nose-down tendency, improving static stability but reducing elevator effectiveness, so more stick force is needed to raise the nose. An aft CG reduces stability and can make the elevator less effective, raising the risk of over-rotation or loss of pitch control. In short, improper balance moves the CG and changes stability and elevator effectiveness, which can lead to control difficulties.