The centre of gravity is affected by the weight distribution of the aircraft. The pilot, the fuel, the number of passengers and baggage all affect the position of the centre of gravity position. This change in weight can affect both the longitudinal and lateral stability of the aircraft. Centre of gravity The centre of pressure is the point where the total sum of all the pressure fields act on the aircraft wing. The centre of pressure moves and is dependent on the amount of lift being produced from the wing. The centre of pressure does affect the aircraft lateral stability. The most obvious effect is at the critical angle when the aircraft stalls. Most light training aircraft have been designed so the centre of gravity is located in front of the centre of pressure - for added lateral stability. When an aircraft stalls, because the centre of gravity is in front of the centre of pressure, the nose will pitch down due to the weight being forward of the centre of pressure. With enough height, in most instances the aircraft will recover itself. Too much weight distributed on one side of the aircraft can affect the longitudinal stability of an aircraft. For example if the right-hand fuel tank is full and the left-hand wing tank is empty, this can cause the aircraft to become unstable in roll. Likewise, too much weight placed in the back of the aircraft may make the aircraft unstable in the lateral axis in pitch. The vertical axis can also be affected by the centre of gravity or pressure. Centre of pressure Effect on planes of movement Ch.3 - Stability and Control
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