Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Critical Importance of Center of Gravity
Any aircraft must, I repeat must achieve the proper center of gravity (CG) to fly properly. In short, the critical importance of center of gravity calculations.
The center of gravity has a distinctive segmented circle that marks the location. The CG is often a range depending on the aircraft. Aircraft can fly with a slightly nose heavy center of gravity, although the controls will be a bit more sluggish. An aft center of gravity could cause the airplane, whether model or full scale, to lose control in flight.
JetBlue recently demonstrated the effects of the proper center of gravity. On Oct 22, 2023 jetBlue flight 662, arriving at JFK airport in New York City, fell on it's tail as passengers were deplaning. Fortunately no one was hurt and the remaining passengers got off in a safe manner. Still, an important reminder of the critical importance of the proper center of gravity for any aircraft.
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Overview
01:44 - Center of gravity discussion
02:54 - CG on your RC model airplane
03:34 - Full scale CG considerations
04:00 - CG range
04:53 - Real world CG failures
The Critical Importance of Center of Gravity
Any aircraft must, I repeat must achieve the proper center of gravity (CG) to fly properly. In short, the critical importance of center of gravity calculations.
The center of gravity has a distinctive segmented circle that marks the location. The CG is often a range depending on the aircraft. Aircraft can fly with a slightly nose heavy center of gravity, although the controls will be a bit more sluggish. An aft center of gravity could cause the airplane, whether model or full scale, to lose control in flight.
JetBlue recently demonstrated the effects of the proper center of gravity. On Oct 22, 2023 jetBlue flight 662, arriving at JFK airport in New York City, fell on it's tail as passengers were deplaning. Fortunately no one was hurt and the remaining passengers got off in a safe manner. Still, an important reminder of the critical importance of the proper center of gravity for any aircraft.
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Overview
01:44 - Center of gravity discussion
02:54 - CG on your RC model airplane
03:34 - Full scale CG considerations
04:00 - CG range
04:53 - Real world CG failures
