What is the effect of a forward center of gravity on an aircraft’s performance?

A forward center of gravity (CG) has a significant impact on an aircraft's performance, particularly regarding stall speed. When the CG is forward, the aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight. This increase in angle of attack leads to a higher stall speed because the stall occurs at a higher angle of attack. Thus, the aircraft must be flown at a higher speed than normal to avoid stalling, making the correct choice about the forward CG increasing the stall speed.

In addition to this, a forward CG can also influence other aspects of aircraft performance, such as stability and control. A forward CG generally enhances longitudinal stability, but it can reduce maneuverability since more control input is required to adjust the aircraft's pitch attitude. This can lead to a less agile response during flight maneuvers compared to a more aft CG. Overall, while a forward CG improves stability, it does result in an increased stall speed, making it crucial for pilots to be aware of CG positioning during flight planning and maneuvers.