What happens when the center of gravity (CG) is moved forward in an aircraft?

When the center of gravity (CG) is moved forward in an aircraft, it affects the aircraft's stability and control characteristics. Specifically, moving the CG forward generally leads to increased stability. A forward CG means that the aircraft will tend to return to its original flight attitude after a disturbance, making it easier to maintain control, especially in various flight conditions and during maneuvers like stalls.

In a forward CG configuration, the aircraft is less prone to entering a stall compared to a rearward CG position. While the stall speed itself may actually increase due to the additional load on the wings, the response of the aircraft during a stall becomes more favorable — the recovery from a stall is typically easier because the aircraft will have a tendency to pitch down and regain control more efficiently.

In contrast, a rearward CG can lead to greater difficulty in recovery since it can lead to more adverse pitching characteristics and less inherent stability. This is why moving the CG forward can lead to easier stall recovery, as it enhances the aircraft's favorable handling characteristics and stability during flight.