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Aviation Dictionary

Center of gravity (CG)

The point at which an airplane would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point. It is the mass center of the airplane, or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the airplane is assumed to be c...

Dictionary Term

Center of gravity (CG)

Definitions

  • The point at which an airplane would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point. It is the mass center of the airplane, or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the airplane is assumed to be concentrated. It may be expresse
  • (GAMA) The point at which an airplane would balance if suspended. Its distance from the reference datum is determined by dividing the total moment by the total weight of the airplane. It is the mass center of the aircraft, or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the aircraft is assumed to be concentrated. It may be expressed in percent of MAC (mean aerodynamic cord) or in inches from the reference datum.
  • The theoretical point where the entire weight of the helicopter is considered to be concentrated.
  • The point at which an aircraft would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point. It is the mass center of the aircraft, or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the WSC is assumed to be concentrated. It may be expressed in inches from the reference datum, or in percent of mean aerodynamic chord (MAC). The location depends on the distribution of weight in the aircraft.
  • The point at which an aircraft would balance if it were possible to suspend it at that point. It is the mass center of the aircraft, or the theoretical point at which the entire weight of the PPC is assumed to be concentrated. It may be expressed in inches from the reference datum, or in percent of mean aerodynamic chord (MAC). The location depends on the distribution of weight in the aircraft.

References

  • Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
  • Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
  • Powered Parachute Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2007
  • Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
  • Weight and Balance Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2016
  • Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008