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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-forward-cg-stall-speed

How does moving the CG forward change an airplane's stall speed?

Stall speed goes up with a forward CG.

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  1. It stalls at a lower speed
  2. It stalls at a higher speed ✔
  3. No change at all

Why: A forward CG needs more tail-down force, which adds to wing loading, so the stalling angle of attack is reached at a higher speed. It also takes more elevator force to hold the nose.

Huh, didn't know that: With a forward CG, the elevator may no longer be able to oppose an increase in nose-down pitching.

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References

Answer: It stalls at a higher speed. A forward CG needs more tail-down force, which adds to wing loading, so the stalling angle of attack is reached at a higher speed. It also takes more elevator force to hold the nose.

  1. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    The aircraft stalls at a higher speed with a forward CG
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    The aircraft cruises faster with an aft CG location
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    A forward CG location increases the need for greater back elevator pressure.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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