Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

If the nosewheel of an airplane moves aft during gear retraction, how would this affect the CG location of that airplane?

1. Cause the CG location to move aft.

2. Have no effect on the CG location.

3. Cause the CG location to move forward.

4. Make the CG location unstable.

The correct answer is: Cause the CG location to move aft.

When the nosewheel of an airplane moves aft during gear retraction, it has a direct effect on the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) location. The primary reason for this is that the nosewheel contributes to the overall distribution of weight in the aircraft. As the nosewheel retracts, the weight that was previously supported by the nosewheel is lifted, and this causes the aircraft to pivot around its CG. If the wheel moves aft, the shift in weight creates a moment that effectively shifts the CG towards the tail of the airplane. This is because the system balances around the center of gravity, and when the gear retracts, the distribution of weight is altered. An aft movement of the nosewheel shifts the focus of weight balance towards the rear of the airplane, thus moving the CG location aft. This situation can lead to changes in handling characteristics, as an aircraft with a CG that is too far aft can become more difficult to control, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Overall, the movement of the nosewheel during gear retraction is a key consideration in understanding how it affects the aircraft's balance and performance, and this knowledge is essential for flight instructors and pilots alike.