Upon landing, what effect does a 204-pound rear passenger moving to the front have on the CG of an airplane that weighed 2,690 pounds?

The center of gravity (CG) of an aircraft is critical for maintaining stability and control during flight. When a passenger moves from the rear to the front of the airplane, the position of the CG shifts in accordance with the distances involved. In this scenario, the weight of the airplane is given as 2,690 pounds, and the weight of the passenger is 204 pounds.

When calculating the effect of the passenger’s movement on the CG, you would consider both the weight of the passenger and the distances from the CG to where the weight was originally and where it is moved to. Since the passenger is moving towards the front, it will result in the CG moving forward. Specifically, a 204-pound weight moving forward will have a more noticeable impact on the CG than other lighter loads or no load change at all, in this case, leading to a significant change in the CG position.

The option indicating that the CG moves forward approximately 3 inches suggests a substantial shift, which can be reasonable given the weight of the passenger and the overall weight of the aircraft. This emphasizes the importance of understanding load distribution within an aircraft, as proper balance is vital for safe operation.

Other options such as those indicating no CG change or a minor forward shift do not