What could be a potential effect of an aft center of gravity on an aircraft?

An aft center of gravity can significantly impact an aircraft's stability and control. When the center of gravity shifts towards the rear, the aircraft becomes less stable in flight. This decreased stability manifests in a couple of ways; for example, the aircraft may be more sensitive to pitch movements, making it easier for the aircraft to pitch up and stall.

With a center of gravity located aft of the designed limits, the control surfaces may require more input to maintain level flight, which could lead to a greater risk of inadvertent maneuvers. Pilots may find it harder to recover from a nose-up attitude or maintain controlled flight, especially at lower speeds or during landing. Consequently, managing weight distribution and ensuring the center of gravity remains within the specified range is critical for safe aircraft operation. This aspect highlights the importance of weight and balance calculations in aviation.