How do you interpret a CG value that is exactly at the aft limit?

• A. It is acceptable; any loading that shifts CG aft beyond the limit would be unacceptable.
• B. It is always unacceptable
• C. It means CG is forward of the aft limit
• D. It indicates the airplane is out of trim

Answer: (A)

Interpreting a CG value exactly at the aft limit means you’re right on the edge of the allowable weight-and-balance envelope. That position is still acceptable because it’s within the published limits; the aircraft remains controllable and within the design’s stability bounds. The important point is that any further shift aft would push the CG beyond what’s permitted, making the loading unacceptable.

Being at the aft limit doesn’t imply the CG is forward of the limit—it’s precisely at it. It also doesn’t automatically mean the airplane is out of trim; trim depends on flight conditions and the elevator setting, and you can be at the aft limit and still be trimmed if you’ve established the proper control input for the current situation.