Center of Gravity Tail Turbulence 
Plane and Pilot
MAY 3, 2025
Nothing happens especially quicklyno hair-trigger responses hereplus they are positively trim stable in pitch, handle turbulence well considering their wing loading, and generally dont ask a lot of a pilot. Across the board, the PA-28 models and their many derivatives are straightforward, sweet-natured, docile machines.
Pilot Institute
NOVEMBER 23, 2024
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. Some aircraft can enter flat spins even if their center of gravity is in the normal range.
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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. Most of the ailerons mass lies behind the hinge, making it tail-heavy. Tail-heavy ailerons droop downwards when they arent being pulled by the control system.
Pilot Institute
JUNE 2, 2025
If youre visualizing tossing and turning, such as caused by turbulence, stop. Turbulence or gusts: Bumps from wind gusts or turbulence give an initial disturbance in pitch that induces phugoid. In 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123s tail section blew out from explosive decompression, cutting all the aircrafts hydraulic lines.
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
However, the obstacles generate mechanical turbulence, making the air less stable. High-wing aircraft are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity. But remember, the crosswind you just battled is still hitting the aircraft’s wing and tail. Be prepared for gusts!
Flying Magazine
MAY 6, 2025
As Aviat worked to increase the useful load of the Husky, it also extended the center of gravity (CG) range. The Garmin glass lived up to its reputation for being easy to program, and the autopilot did as it was programmed, even in turbulence, with appropriate rudder input. With the available power, takeoffs are a ball.
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