When weight is moved aft in an aircraft, what is generally expected to happen?

When weight is moved aft in an aircraft, the center of gravity indeed shifts rearward. The center of gravity (CG) is a critical factor in aircraft performance and stability, as it affects how the aircraft reacts to control inputs and external forces. Moving the weight toward the tail causes the balance point of the aircraft to shift, which can have significant implications for the aircraft's handling characteristics.

With the CG rearward, the aircraft may become less stable and may require different inputs from the pilot to manage its attitude and performance. It can affect the lift-to-drag ratio and influence stall behavior, often resulting in a lower pitch stability.

Understanding the movement of the center of gravity is crucial for pilots in managing the flight characteristics of the aircraft effectively, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Correctly managing the CG is vital to ensuring safety and performance compliance with the aircraft's specifications.