Final answer:
An aircraft with the CG forward of limits is more stable but may be difficult to maneuver, requiring greater force for pitch changes and potentially leading to increased stall speeds and trim drag, which can affect fuel efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an aircraft has its center of gravity (CG) forward of the limits, it will display certain control characteristics. A CG that is too far forward leads to an aircraft that is stable but may be difficult to maneuver. The increased stability is due to the longer arm between the CG and the aerodynamic center, which provides more resistance to pitching movements. However, this can make the aircraft less responsive to control inputs, requiring greater force to change pitch attitude. Furthermore, if the CG is excessively forward, it may not be possible for the pilot to generate enough control authority to raise the nose during landing or to prevent an excessive nose-down attitude in flight.
A forward CG also results in increased download on the horizontal tail, which is required to maintain level flight. This increased download can lead to higher stall speeds, greater stresses on the tail structure, and an increase in trim drag. Additionally, an aircraft with a forward CG may require more power to maintain level flight, which could affect fuel efficiency. Pilots must therefore carefully consider CG position with respect to the forward limit to ensure safety and optimized aircraft performance.