How does an aft centre of gravity affect an aircraft's stability during flight?

An aft centre of gravity refers to the position of the aircraft's center of gravity being located towards the tail end rather than the front. This configuration significantly reduces the stability of an aircraft during flight. When the center of gravity moves aft, it can result in a decreased pitch stability, making the aircraft more responsive to changes in attitude and less capable of self-correcting after disturbances. As a consequence, the aircraft could become harder to control, particularly during maneuvers such as climbs or descents, increasing the risk of stalling or other adverse flight conditions.

In terms of overall flying characteristics, an aft center of gravity can lead to a tendency for the aircraft to pitch up more easily, possibly resulting in over-rotation during takeoff or difficulty controlling pitch during landing. Therefore, understanding the implications of an aft center of gravity is crucial for maintaining safe and stable flight operations.