At what point is it considered unsafe to operate an aircraft with respect to its CG?

The center of gravity (CG) is a critical factor in aircraft stability and control. The aircraft is designed to operate within specific limits for the CG to ensure safe flight. When the CG is ahead of the forward limit, the aircraft can become difficult to control, particularly during maneuvers like takeoff and landing. This forward CG location increases the stick force needed to pull back during climb and can lead to over-stability, where the aircraft is less responsive to control inputs, potentially leading to a stall.

On the other hand, if the CG is behind the rear limit, the aircraft becomes tail-heavy, which can also cause serious control issues. A rearward CG can result in reduced stability, making it prone to pitch oscillations and difficulty recovering from a stall. The further the CG is from the designed limits, the greater the risk of losing control of the aircraft.

Understanding these CG limits is essential for safe operation. Thus, the operation of an aircraft is unsafe when the CG is either ahead of the forward limit or behind the rear limit, highlighting that both extremes present significant challenges that compromise flight safety.