In aircraft weight and balance, how is the center of gravity (CG) defined?

• A. The center of gravity is the forward location along the fuselage where the aircraft would balance.
• B. The CG is the point along the longitudinal axis where the airplane would balance; it is expressed as an inch value from a specified datum.
• C. The CG is the weight distribution along the wings.
• D. The CG is the maximum takeoff weight.

Answer: (B)

Center of gravity is the single point along the airplane's longitudinal axis about which the aircraft would balance. It is defined as the location where the total weight moments about a chosen datum balance, and it is expressed as a distance from that datum. In practice, you multiply each item's weight by its arm (distance from the datum), sum those moments, and divide by the total weight to find the CG. This point indicates where the airplane would balance if supported at that point, and it must lie within the permitted forward and aft limits for safe stability and control. Moving ballast, fuel, or cargo changes the CG, so calculations ensure it stays within allowed ranges. The other descriptions either pin the CG to a fixed forward fuselage spot, describe weight distribution along the wings, or mention maximum takeoff weight, none of which define the CG itself.