Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What happens to the performance of an aircraft with a shift in center of pressure?

1. The aircraft becomes resistant to turbulence.

2. It can lead to difficulty in controlling the aircraft.

3. It enhances the aircraft's climb rate.

The correct answer is: It can lead to difficulty in controlling the aircraft.

When there is a shift in the center of pressure, it affects how aerodynamic forces act on the aircraft. The center of pressure is the point where the total aerodynamic lift force is considered to act, and any change in its position can alter the aircraft's pitch stability and control. If the center of pressure moves forward or rearward, it can change the distribution of forces acting on the wings and the tail surfaces. This shift can cause the aircraft to respond differently to control inputs, leading to unanticipated attitudes or requiring adjustments in the pilot's control inputs. For example, if the center of pressure shifts excessively forward, the aircraft may tend to pitch down more easily, making it harder to maintain level flight or achieve proper climb rates without overcompensating with elevator input. Thus, the correct answer highlights the potential difficulty in controlling the aircraft, which underscores the importance of maintaining proper aerodynamic balance and stability to ensure safe flight operations.