Center of Gravity Rudder Turbulence 
Flying Magazine
JULY 22, 2025
We consider that reassuring when the weather becomes turbulent. Over the years we’ve flown a lot of aircraft with “aft-tending” centers of gravity—if you filled the seats, you were outside the aft CG limit, and the rear seats in six-place airplanes were unusable. Recurrent training is annual. Then, pitch up a long way—12.5
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. Adverse yaw is a side effect of aileron use, countered by rudder input. This shifts the ailerons Center of Gravity (C.G.) This is where the rudder comes in.
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Plane and Pilot
MAY 3, 2025
Depressions in the vertical stabilizer and rudder, as well as stabilator skins and ailerons, all help increase panel stiffness while allowing less under-skin structure. Piper sought other methods to make the Cherokee light and simple to build. The exterior strakes on the belly add strength without complicating the under-floor structure.
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
PARE: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator forward. An aft center of gravity increases flat spin risk. A flat spin happens when the center of gravity shifts too far aft (toward the tail), and the aircraft’s rotation becomes more horizontal. Rudder: Full opposite input to the spin direction.
Photographic Logbook
JUNE 1, 2025
I expected the gusty wind to create an uncomfortable ride down low, but the turbulence was mild. I earned my tailwheel endorsement in a beautifully-maintained 1946 J-3 Cub and had a wonderful time flying low and slow with the door open, a true stick and rudder experience. So many Cubs! A working plane.
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 11, 2024
The trigger can be any external force such as a wind gust or turbulence. Placing the center of gravity ahead of the aircraft’s center of lift improves longitudinal stability. Doing so provides more lateral stability since the aircraft’s Center of Gravity (CG) lies below the wings.
Pilot Institute
APRIL 5, 2024
Your ailerons and rudder will be neutral once you’re in the crab position. We use the rudder to align the aircraft’s longitudinal axis with the centerline. Simultaneously, we apply ailerons opposite the rudder input. The pilot needs to hold aileron and rudder deflection the entire time. Be prepared for gusts!
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