With regard to aft CG loading, what is true of aircraft handling?

When discussing aft CG loading in an aircraft, it's important to recognize that even when the center of gravity (CG) is within the specified range, its position can still influence the aircraft's handling characteristics. An aft CG tends to make the aircraft more unstable, particularly during pitch maneuvers, because it shifts the balance point toward the tail. This can lead to a reduced control authority, especially during slow flight or maneuvers requiring significant pitch changes.

For instance, with an aft CG, the aircraft may require higher angles of attack to maintain level flight, which can lead to issues like increased sensitivity to pitch inputs. This sensitivity can affect the pilot's ability to precisely control altitude and can exacerbate any pitch-related stability issues. Therefore, even when the CG is technically within limits, the handling and responsiveness of the aircraft can still be adversely affected by its aft positioning.

The other options either imply that the aft CG does not impact handling or that it improves handling, both of which are not accurate and do not reflect the complexities of aircraft dynamics influenced by CG location. Hence, understanding that aft CG can affect handling, even within limits, is crucial for safe and effective aircraft operation.